Former Pittsburgh Pirates Coach Dies Suddenly

PITTSBURGH, PA — Former Pittsburgh Pirates coach Kimera Bartee died unexpectedly Monday. He was 49.

The cause of death is unknown. Bartee was visiting his father in Omaha for the holidays when he collapsed.

“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the sudden passing of Kimera Bartee,” Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting said in a statement. "He was a great person whose upbeat attitude and infectious smile would always lift the spirits of anyone who interacted with him. Our hearts go out to his family, whom he loved so much. He was much too young and will be dearly missed.”

Bartee spent 12 seasons in the Pirates organization, most recently as first base coach on Clint Hurdle’s staff from 2017-19. He also spent nine years (2008-2016) serving the Pirates as their minor league outfield-baserunning coordinator. He also managed State College in the New York-Penn League in 2011.

Bartee currently was the Detroit Tigers first base coach.

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