Former Royal Jeremy Giambi passes away at 47


Former MLB outfielder Jeremy Giambi passed away at the age of 47 at his parent’s house in Southern California on Wednesday. According to TMZ, Giambi died at 11:40 am. The 47-year old played for the Royals organization from 1998 to 1999. The Royals traded Giambi to the Athletics in 2000 for pitcher Brett Laxton. Giambi was a member of the 2002 World Series team with Oakland. Unfortunately for Giambi, he was part of an infamous postseason run. Giambi was thrown out at home by Yankees hall of fame shortstop Derek Jeter. The 47-year old struggled with the use of steroids in the early 2000's. In 2001, Giambi was caught with marijuana at a checkpoint at the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. Giambi was also caught using anabolic steroids in 2005 as a member of the White Sox organization. Giambi had a decent career with six organizations throughout his playing days, including the Athletics, Royals, Phillies, Red Sox, Dodgers, and White Sox. The left-hander hit 52 home runs with 209 runs batted in. The Athletics organization released the following statement regarding Giambi's death: "We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jeremy Giambi, a member of our Green and Gold family. Jeanne, Jason, and his family and friends have our deepest condolences.” According to the New York Post, Giambi's death was caused by a "self-inflicted gunshot wound". 

Popular posts from this blog

Flashback Royals: The murder at the pool

Image
Self-defense is more important now than ever, and teams like the Royals are promoting it through various events. In 2008, the Royals held a self-defense class called T.A.K.E. to support The Ali Kemp Educational Foundation and honor Ali Kemp's life. Similarly, the Kelsey Smith Foundation, named after a girl abducted at a Target in Kansas in 2007, also focuses on teaching self-defense. The Royals later honored Kelsey Smith's memory as well. Ali Kemp's murder in 2002 had a profound impact on the Kansas City metro area. At 19, Ali was working as a lifeguard in Leawood, Kansas, during the summer. Her father believed it was a safe job: "It was a wonderful job, a neighborhood pool. And you would think the safest place in the world." However, her shift on that fateful day turned tragic. Around 3 p.m., Ali called a friend for company, but the friend missed the call. Shortly after, Laurel Vine, another friend, arrived at the pool and saw a man leaving. Thinking ...
Read more

Flashback Royals: Tom Gamboa attacked

Image
Kansas City was visiting the White Sox on September 19, 2003. The game was supposed to be a typical day at the ballpark. The game looked to be going smoothly as it should; however, a few fans must have not liked the way the game was going at the old Comiskey Park.  Two men seemed to be targeting Royals first base coach Tom Gamboa. Gamboa was in total shock when he was attacked by a couple of shirtless fans. Gamboa responded shortly after the attack: "I felt like a football team had hit me from behind. Next thing I knew, I'm on the ground trying to defend myself," Gamboa told reporters at the time. "It just happened so fast." Both men seemed to be proud of their "fame." Gamboa thought the men didn't get a hard enough punishment: "To me probation is nothing." According to William Ligue Jr's MySpace page he seemed to be proud of the attack on the coach: "ME AND DAD (censored word) UP THA COACH FA THA KANSAS CITY ROYALS....
Read more

Flashback Royals: Remembering a Murder Victim

Image
The Royals over the years have worn patches on their uniforms to remember tragic periods in American history including 9/11 and more. Kansas City in 2007 was stunned after learning that local teenager Kelsey Smith was abducted and murdered. The Royals wore light blue ribbons on their wrists in remembrance of the 18-year old after former manager Buddy Bell spoke to the Smith family.  Many Kansas Cityians remember the Kelsey Smith case well after the story of her abduction hit the local media and national media. On June 2, Smith was shopping at her local Target in Overland Park, KS looking for a picture frame for her boyfriend John Biersmith. While at Target, Smith's killer followed her throughout the store after noticing her at the jewelry counter. While Smith was in the checkout line, her abductor ran to his vehicle to grab his gun and waited for her to leave the store to grab her. The 18-year old was unable to fight off the kidnapper and was forced into her vehicle and...
Read more