On Jan. 22, KC Royals fans lost a beloved player.
Twenty-five year old pitcher Yordano “Ace” Ventura was in a car wreck in his home country, The Dominican Republic.
According to ESPN, “Highway patrol spokesman Jacobo Mateo said Ventura died on a highway leading to the town of Juan Adrian, about 40 miles northwest of Santo Domingo.”
After Ventura’s death was announced many Royals fans started showing up to Kauffman Stadium, leaving flowers, KC Royals gear, and other mementos outside of the stadium. Flags around Kauffman were also lowered to half staff in remembrance of the vibrant young player who lost his life that day.
On Jan. 24, Ventura’s funeral was held in The Dominican Republic. Manager Ned Yost, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Salvador Perez, and others were in attendance as well.
“Yordano was a key figure in the Royals’ recent success. His electric talent on the mound helped lead the Royals to two American League pennants and the 2015 World Championship.” Says ESPN.
Ace led the Kansas City Royals to the World Series for the first time since 1985. He threw seven shutout innings for a 10-0 Win that night in honor of his friend Oscar Taveras from the St. Lous Cardinals who had passed away in The Dominican Republic a few days earlier.
Yordano Ventura had a heart-warming story. He had quit school at the age of 14 to work in construction which led to him hearing about a tryout. From there, Ventura gained a spot on the Royals’ Academy in his home town.
Royals’ players showed their love to the young player the morning of the accident.
“ACE I love you my brother. I’m in disbelief and don’t know what to say. I love you ACE”, Eric Hosmer via Twitter.