Sports
Former Devil Rays Shortstop Julio Lugo Dies At Age 45: Report
Lugo, who spent parts of four seasons in Tampa between 2003-06, would have turned 46 Tuesday and last played in the major leagues in 2011.
ST. PETERSBURG, FLA — Before Julio Lugo became a World Series champion, he found a home with the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, a day before he was to 46, the former big-league shortstop has died, according to a published report.
Lugo, who spent 2003-2006 in Tampa, died of an apparently heart attack, ESPN reported on Monday. Lugo spent two complete seasons with the Rays and played a career-high 158 games in Tampa in 2005. That season, Lugo hit. 295 with six home runs and 57 RBIs and stole a career-best 59 stolen bases.
Lugo was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2006 after spending 73 games in Tampa and hitting .308 with 12 home runs.
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Julio Lugo's family told me of the death of the former MLB player, presumably due to a heart attack. Lugo was 45 years old.#RIP
— Enrique Rojas/ESPN (@Enrique_Rojas1) November 15, 2021
“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 said in a statement issued Monday afternoon.
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
Lugo made a big impact with the Boston Red Sox in 2007 when he helped guide Boston to a World Series championship and hit .385 in a series sweep of the Colorado Rockies.
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