Former major league infielder Julio Lugo died at the age of 45, his family told ESPN on Monday.
He is believed to have died from a heart attack, per the report. He would have turned 46 on Tuesday.
Lugo hit .269 with 80 home runs and also had 198 stolen bases in 12 major league seasons with the Houston Astros (2000-03), then-Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2003-06), Los Angeles Dodgers (2006), Boston Red Sox (2007-09), St. Louis Cardinals (2009), Baltimore Orioles (2010) and Atlanta Braves (2011).
Tributes from teams hit social media later in the day.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Devil Rays shortstop Julio Lugo. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” the Rays posted.
We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Devil Rays shortstop Julio Lugo. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/7EiQkxTe9T
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) November 15, 2021
He won a World Series title with the Red Sox in 2007 and hitt .385 in 13 at bats in the Fall Classic against Colorado. Lugo signed a four-year contract worth $36 million with Boston in December 2006.
“The Red Sox mourn the loss of former shortstop and 2007 World Series Champion Julio Lugo.”
The Red Sox mourn the loss of former shortstop and 2007 World Series Champion Julio Lugo.
We send our thoughts and love to the Lugo family. pic.twitter.com/CBtKLitXMf
— Red Sox (@RedSox) November 15, 2021
He had career OPS of .716.
Lugo played in 1,109 games at shortstop, 175 games at second base and made 31 appearances at third. He also played in 19 games in the outfield.
“The MLBPAA is deeply saddened to hear about the passing of 12-year MLB veteran, Julio Lugo. Our thoughts and prayers are with Julio’s loved ones,” the players union tweeted Monday.
Too young.
The MLBPAA is deeply saddened to hear about the passing of 12-year MLB veteran, Julio Lugo. Our thoughts and prayers are with Julio's loved ones. pic.twitter.com/hrQYJzjHWh
— MLBPAA (@MLBPAA) November 15, 2021
Lugo was selected in the 43rd round of the 1994 draft out of Connors State College in Warner, Okla.
Lugo was born in Barahona, Dominican Republic, in 1975.
–Field Level Media
