MLB: Former MVP Caminiti Dies

[NoPasaran]

Former Major League Baseball star Ken Caminiti has died at the age of 41.

He passed away Sunday from a heart attack.

Caminiti's career spanned 15 years, during which he played with four different teams (Houston, San Diego, Texas, Atlanta) before retiring three years ago. Since then, he has run into legal trouble for using cocaine.

After his retirement, Caminiti admitted to using steroids for much of his career, including 1996 when the third-baseman was voted the National League's Most Valuable Player as a member of the San Diego Padres.

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[Gman]

1. He was an awesome third baseman

with a glove like a vacuum cleaner, arm like a rocket launcher and a helluva hitter.

[frylock]

3. the play that will forever stand out in my mind..

was a diving catch on a hot grounder toward the third base line. He gunned down the runner at first while sitting on his ass from about two feet behind the line. Simply amazing athleticism. His body just completely broke down the following season in '97. They keep playing clips over the radio down here during the news breaks of Phil Nevin talking about Ken's young daughters. So sad.

[maveric]

5. I remember that play! That was in 96 and probably won him the MVP.

He'd make backhanded stabs running towards the baseline and throw guys out at first from foul territory.

Remember the game in Monterrey Mexico when he had the flu, took IV liquids all day, entered the game after eating only a snickers bar and blasted 2 tape measure homers to pace the Pads to a 8-0 win over the Mets? That was awesome!
What a damn shocking shame. He had a wife and 3 little girls too.
Damn!

[dr.strangelove]

2. I imagine his heart was damaged by years of drug abuse

He had a long history of partying in MLB. Caminiti lived hard and it took its toll on him. I think his MVP year was the best baseball I've ever seen in a third-baseman.

I was glad he spoke out about steroids and drug abuse by players. He was struggling with his demons, but wanted to help young players avoid their own demons. I am sorry he won't be able work on his recently expressed desire to work with rookies and teach them of the dangers of easily obtained drugs for MLB superstars. Regardless of his demons, he was a classy guy who played the game well and tried, albeit toolate, to turn around his life and help others. I'm sorry for his family and friends, 41 is just too young to die.

[denverbill]

4. Daryl Kile last year, now Caminiti.

Sad story. Both died way too young for athletes.