World Series champ, MLB shortstop Julio Lugo dies at 45
Former MLB shortstop and 2007 World Series champion Julio Lugo has died at the age of 45, presumably of a heart attack. He was a day shy of turning 46.
Julio Lugo, a former MLB shortstop who won the 2007 World Series with the Boston Red Sox has died, with the cause of death presumed to be a heart attack. He died while leaving a gym in his native Dominican Republic, according to ESPN.
He was a day shy of turning 46.
Julio Lugo's family told me of the death of the former MLB player, presumably due to a heart attack.
— Enrique Rojas/ESPN (@Enrique_Rojas1) November 15, 2021
Lugo was 45 years old.#RIP
Role in 2007 World Series win
The former shortstop played an important part in the 2007 World Series victory of the Red Sox during his first year with Boston, hitting .281 in the postseason. He went 5-for-13 throughout the Fall Classic four-game sweep over the Colorado Rockies.
Julio Lugo's walk-off ended the "Mother's Day Miracle" in Boston. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/e49zjcuYc0
— MLB Vault (@MLBVault) November 15, 2021
Born in the Dominican Republic, Lugo attended high school in Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, where he had a batting average of .350.
The Dominican was selected by the Houston Astros in the 43rd round of the 1994 MLB draft out of Connors State College in Oklahoma. He made his major league debut with the Astros in April 2000 at the age of 24.
Other MLB stories:
- Former Red Sox pitcher Rodriguez signs $77M deal with Tigers
- Boras: MLB system led to Braves’ World Series win
- Uncertain future for LA Dodgers' Kershaw without extension
Astros exit following controversy
Houston let go of Lugo in May 2003 following his arrest for allegedly beating his wife during an argument at Minute Maid Park. He denied the charges and was later acquitted by a jury.
He went on to play for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for three years and was dealt in 2006 to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Lugo then signed a deal with the Red Sox for four years and $36 million. He was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2009, then moved on to the Baltimore Orioles in 2010. He last played with the Atlanta Braves before he retired in August 2011.
We join the rest of our baseball family in mourning the loss of Julio Lugo. We extend our condolences to his family and many friends throughout the game. pic.twitter.com/GAdlUygJ0C
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) November 15, 2021
Lugo wrapped up his career with 1,279 hits, 198 stolen bases, a batting average of .269, 80 home runs, and 475 RBIs.
The Red Sox mourn the loss of former shortstop and 2007 World Series Champion Julio Lugo.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) November 15, 2021
We send our thoughts and love to the Lugo family. pic.twitter.com/CBtKLitXMf