Jose Lima died today of what appeared to be a massive heart attack at the age of 37. He was an all-star pitcher for the Astros in 1999 and had a zest and love for life. I met him when he was with the AAA Norfolk Tides in 2006 where he won 7 and lost 8 and had a 3.92 ERA. He was a man that you could tell loved life. In fact Lima who was had signed with the Mets organization was one of those players that made people feel good. He was not a whiner or complainer but even at the tail end of his Major League career still gave 100% and kept an upbeat attitude on how baseball and life were treating him. I remember opening day for the Tides that year, the weather was actually nice for April in Hampton Roads and Jose sang God Bless America that opening day at the 7th inning stretch after starting the game but getting knocked out. It was moving, a man from the Dominican Republic who loved this country enough to sing that song with a great amount of reverence, respect and dare I say emotion. I was touched by that and since I had remembered Lima from the 1999 All-Star game and various Major League appearances, of course all on television hoped that he would make it back to the show to stay. The Mets did call him up for a few appearances that year but each time he returned to the Tides and finished his season with us. I spoke with him on the concourse a couple of times and he was always gracious. I never asked for an autograph although I read that he never refused to give one and from what I read about him, especially his work with children, especially those from disadvantaged families in his new baseball academy I know what made him click. It was not an individualistic love for life but it was life lived in community with his teammates, family friends and later with the Los Angeles Dodgers alumni association. In the days before his untimely death he was attending the Angels and Dodgers interleague series with his son. He performed with his band and was involved in his community. While he did not have a record that will get him to the Hall of Fame he is one of those personalities that made an enjoyable game even more enjoyable because his love for baseball and his love for life.
I am not going to take the time to repeat all the details of his career as them are already published but today wanted to remember Jose Lima from the point of view of a minor league fan. A lot of people will miss Jose Lima a lot, especially his young son. Keep his family in your prayers as well as those who knew and loved him
I do pray that he will rest in peace and that God will grant his family and friends the comfort of the Holy Spirit over the coming days and weeks as they grieve his loss.
Peace,
Padre Steve+
The Inglorius Padre Steve's World 