Remembering Yordano (Ace) Ventura

Remembering Yordano (Ace) Ventura

This week was the two-year anniversary of the tragic death of former Royals star pitcher Yordano (Ace) Ventura. Ventura was always known for his one hundred mile per hour fastballs, love for his teammates as well as his obvious love for the game of baseball. The twenty-five-year-old phenom was on track to be one of the premier pitchers in Major League Baseball. One of the defining moments in Ventura’s young career was when he took the ball in the World Series only a few days after the death of his close friend and former Cardinals outfielder, Oscar Taveras. It was during this game Ventura would go on to retire six of the first seven he faced en route to a seven inning shut out on a mere three hits. Unfortunately, Ventura passed away while back in his home country, the Dominican Republic, due to a car accident. During his short time with the Royals Ventura never failed to put on a display and show the flair that ultimately became his trademark because he was full of energy and fun to watch do his thing every fifth day. This last December Yordano Ventura was nominated to have his name written in stone as a member of the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame alongside legends like George Brett and Bret Saberhagen. The death of Ventura was a big shock to the Major League Baseball Community but by honoring the legacy of Ventura the Royals and Major League Baseball will not lose sight of the Dominican kid with a big fastball and an even bigger personality.

Photos

 

(Cody Tapp)

(Connor Wytko)

(Connor Wytko)

Video: https://youtu.be/MqXHSK5z1tU