DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 01: First base coach Kimera Bartee #18 of the Detroit Tigers looks on from the dugout during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park on August 1, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Orioles 6-2. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Some heartbreaking news has come out of Detroit, as Tigers first base coach Kimera Bartee has passed away.
The entire Detroit Tigers organization is mourning right now following the news that first base coach Kimera Bartee has passed away. Bartee, just 49 years old, was in his hometown of Omaha, Neb. at the time of his passing.
At this time, no cause of death has been released. Bartee suited up for the Tigers from 1996-1999 and then joined the staff as a coach in 2021. By the end of the season, he had been promoted to first base coach by manager A.J. Hinch.
The Tigers are mourning the loss of first base coach Kimera Bartee
Bartee and Hinch had developed a strong relationship this past season, with Bartee earning the skipper’s trust early on. For Detroit general manager Al Avila, the Bartee news came out of nowhere and it of course has him quite emotional.
“All of us in the Tigers baseball family were shocked and saddened to learn that first base coach Kimera Bartee suddenly passed away on Monday,” Avila said via Michigan Live. “Throughout his time in our organization as both a player and coach, Kimera was known as a kind soul but intense competitor who did his best every day to elevate those around him to do great things.”
Following his playing days with the Tigers, Bartee suited up for the Reds and Rockies. He then joined the Pirates as a coach, spending a total of 12 years with the organization.