Notes
Ventura visits mound one last time
Funeral procession stops on field where pitcher played; O's sign minor leaguers
Two years ago this month,
On the field where he learned the game of baseball and was first seen by a Kansas City Royals scout, youngsters either flocked around or stood back in awe of the rising major league star who had won Game 6 of the 2014 World Series as he honored
Many cried as they watched the game in the nearby town square that night, emotions of both anguish over the death of Taveras and pride in Ventura, the native son who offered hope.
And now … this. A memorial service for Ventura on the same field Tuesday.
Under a sunny sky, a marching band played a somber tune. A Dominican Republic flag and a Royals jersey were spread over the casket of Ventura, who died in a car crash early Sunday.
As loved ones crowded onto the field, cries of anguish rang out. Pallbearers, among them some current and former Royals teammates, set the 25-year-old's remains just over the pitcher's mound. Many children also attended, wearing baseball jerseys with “Ventura” on the back.
Statements were made on behalf of the town of Las Terrenas, as well as by the pastor at the church Ventura attended growing up. Attendees took a couple of minutes to sing the national anthem of the Dominican Republic, “Quisqueyanos Valientes,” which means Brave Dominicans in English.
The group of family members and friends, which included the Royals'
Then,
“He wasn't just a teammate or a friend,” Perez said. “He was a brother. We've known him since he started playing for Kansas City. His moments aside, he had a big heart. It's incredibly sad what we're going through right now.”
Then Perez paused briefly to turn away from a television station's microphone and toward Ventura's mother,
“Mi doña, stay strong for your family,” he said. “You have our support. And we will never forget what you told us at your home: ‘After God, family.'
“I regret the loss of our brother Ventura. Only God knows why he does these things. “I love you. And on behalf of the Kansas City Royals, I wish for all of you strength.”
After the service, former Royals pitchers
In 2015, Cueto, Volquez and Ventura formed the first World Series starting rotation with three Dominican pitchers.
The funeral procession started Tuesday morning with a visitation in a Las Terrenas home owned by Ventura. Ventura's family and Royals players and other team personnel, including manager
The ceremony on the field followed.
Schoop and Bundy split last year between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk, with Bundy thriving for most of the second half.
Also returning to the organization is left-hander
Additionally, as previously reported, the Orioles signed first baseman
Also joining the organization are right-handers
Hundley passed a physical and his deal was announced.
He batted .260 with 10 home runs and 48 RBIs in 83 games for the Rockies last season, starting 77 games behind the plate.
Posey started 122 games at catcher and 11 at first base last year.