Mariners’ Prospect Victor Sanchez Dead at 20

By Brian Helberg | Mar 28, 2015

20-year-old right-handed pitcher Victor Sanchez died on Saturday after being in a medically induced coma since a boating accident off the coast of Venezuela on February 13. Sanchez was swimming at a beach in Carupano when he was struck in the head by a boat propeller. He underwent brain surgery last month, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

The Mariners released a statement regarding Victor Sanchez’s death on Saturday night.

It is with sadness we share that minor leaguer Victor Sanchez has passed away. Our deepest condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/DWidXIrCDG
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 29, 2015

Sanchez was a very promising prospect in the Mariners’ system before his death, and he will be greatly missed on and off the diamond. Sanchez posted a record of 19-16 and an ERA of 3.43 across three seasons in the minor leagues. He struck out 6.8 hitters per 9 innings, and allowed just 2.2 walks. He had an impressive 3.10 strikeout to walk ratio over the course of 323.0 career innings. Sanchez did a very nice job keeping runners off base, as evidenced by his 1.183 walks/hits per inning.

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Victor Sanchez’s best season came in 2013 with the Clinton Lumberjacks of the Midwest League. Sanchez was 6-6 and he registered an impressive 2.66 ERA across 113.1 innings. He made 20 starts for the Lumberjacks, and recorded a no hitter. Sanchez struck out 6.3 hitters per 9 innings, and walked just 1.6. His 4.39 strikeout to walk ratio caught the eye of the Mariners’ brass.

Some of Sanchez’s former teammates took to social media to voice their sadness over the passing of their friend.

Mis mas sentidas condolencias para la familia Sánchez
Que mi Dios lo tenga en su santa gloria y a… https://t.co/DoLeupSv0H
— Felix Hernandez (@RealKingFelix) March 29, 2015

Prayers for Victor Sanchez family and friends. Was a real good player and a great friend. Going to be missed #RIP
— Taijuan Walker (@tai_walker) March 29, 2015

My prayers go out to the family of victor Sanchez I will always remember you! R.I.P. Big man
— D.J. Peterson (@DJPeterson) March 29, 2015

We lost a teammate but lost an even better person with the passing of Victor Sanchez tonight. Your memory will live on forever in my heart
— Patrick Kivlehan (@PatrickKivlehan) March 29, 2015

Wow what a sad day for Victor Sanchez family and the Mariners family. Can't believe my boy is gone. Will be missed but never forgotten #RIP
— Jabari Henry (@bari14) March 29, 2015

I cannot believe this tragic news. Prayers go out to Victor Sanchez and his family. You will be missed greatly my good friend. #RIP
— Dario Pizzano (@DarioPizzano25) March 29, 2015

Tragic news about Victor Sanchez. A sad day for the Mariners family. He left many great memories. RIP

2013 No-Nohttps://t.co/1r7QeLD3tT
— Clinton LumberKings (@LumberKings) March 29, 2015

It is hard to fathom that Victor Sanchez is no longer with us. It is always difficult to believe when a young, physically fit person passes away in their prime. This serves as a somber reminder to all of us that nothing is guaranteed in life, and to ‘gather ye rosebuds while ye may.’

This tragedy also reminds sports’ fans what is truly important. Too often we think of athletes as just names on a lineup card, or stats in a box score, but athletes are people just like the rest of us. We treat them like they are gods, but they are in fact just humans.

Victor Sanchez was not just a baseball player; he was someone’s son. My heart goes out to his family in this trying time.

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