Former Chicago Cub pitcher Jeremi Gonzalez was killed Sunday when he was struck by lightening on a beach in Punta Palma, Zulia, Venezuela.
Signed as an undrafted free agent by Chicago in 1991, Gonzalez toiled in the Cubs farm system until he made his debut with the parent team on May 27, 1997. He was somewhat of a rookie sensation, finishing 11-9 that year with a 4.25 ERA, including a complete game shutout.
He finished ninth overall in the National League’s Rookie of the Year balloting.
In 1998, Gonzalez went 7-7 for the Cubs before injuries shortened his season. He would have three surgeries over the next five years where he spent his time trying to regain his form in the Cub farm system.
Gonzalez returned to the major leagues in 2003, joining the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He enjoyed some minor success with the D-Rays despite a 6-11 record. That year he was the unfortunate recipient of the lowest run-support by a starting pitcher in the American League East.
After his release by the Devil Rays in 2005, Gonzalez was signed and released by the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays. He last played for the Yomiuri Giants of the Japanese League in 2007, becoming only the fifth Venezuelan to do so.
Rest in peace, Jeremi.
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