Mariners prospect Victor Sanchez dies from injuries in boating accident
Seattle Mariners pitching prospect Victor Sanchez died on Saturday, six weeks after sustaining serious head injuries in a boating accident in his home country of Venezuela. He was only 20.
According to the initial reports, Sanchez was swimming off the beach in Carapao, Venezuela on Feb. 13 when he was struck in the head by a boat propeller. Sanchez sustained a double skull fracture and a hematoma upon impact and later suffered a stroke as a result of his injuries. After undergoing emergency surgery, Sanchez went into a coma and was never able to regain consciousness.
According to Greg Johns of MLB.com, Sanchez’s agent, Rafa Nieves, confirmed the news on Saturday night.
A short time later, Seattle Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik released the following statement.
“The Seattle Mariners are saddened to learn of the passing of Victor Sanchez. Victor was a tremendous young man and a wonderful teammate. He was a very talented player who was close to fulfilling his promise as a Major Leaguer. He will be missed by his teammates, and the coaches and staff at the Mariners.
“The entire Mariners organization sends our deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time.”
At 6-foot and 255 pounds, Sanchez was just starting to work his way into the Mariners long term plans. He finished the 2014 season ranked as their 11th best prospect according to MLB.com, a position he cemented by posting a 4.19 ERA in 23 starts for Double-A Jackson.
Overall, Sanchez had been steadily progressing since signing as a 16-year-old in 2011. In 2012, he posted a 6-2 with a 3.18 ERA at Class A Everett. The following season, Sanchez pitched a no-hitter for Class A Clinton in only his 27th professional start.
Not many pitchers can boost a no-hitter at the major or minor league level. Sanchez recorded his at only 18. A truly remarkable accomplishment that suggests poise and precision well beyond his years.
Among those grieving tonight are the men who spent those formative years with Sanchez as his teammate in the Mariners organization and as his friend. Many of them took to Twitter late Saturday to extend their condolences and share memories. .
Everyone who watched or knew Sanchez agreed his future looked very promising. Unfortunately, tonight, there’s only sadness and confusion over a life cut way too short.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
