A pitcher in the minor league organization of the Baltimore Orioles has died of cancer at the age of 20.
MLB reports that the organization revealed the death of Luis Andrés Ortiz Soriano on Sunday.
The organization wrote in a statement, “Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the passing of Minor League pitcher Luis Andrés Ortiz Soriano.”
“We will miss his passion and love for the game of baseball, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family.”
Orioles minor leaguer Luis Ortiz was a “super competitive kid,” a “family guy” and a “hometown hero,” especially to his little brother, Ezequiel.
During his cancer battle, he showed was a “fighter,” too, and he fought “all the way to his last breath.” https://t.co/0bTP2c3OKo
— Nathan Ruiz (@NathanSRuiz) March 14, 2023
The statement lauded Soriano’s fight against the illness.
“Luis was an inspiration to all who knew him, especially as he courageously battled cancer. We hope that the cherished and treasured memories of Luis will be a comfort for his family and friends during this devastating time,” the statement said.
Brandon Hyde, the manager, expressed his sympathy to the family.
“Sad news last night. From all of us here on our Major League staff and the players, we just want to give our condolences to the Ortiz family,” he said.
Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the passing of minor league pitcher Luis Andrés Ortiz Soriano.
Luis was an inspiration to all who knew him, especially as he courageously battled cancer. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/tTzHIghtD9
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) March 12, 2023
More on this story via The Western Journal:
Soriano was a native of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, according to ESPN. The left-handed pitcher was signed by Baltimore in 2019. In 2021, he pitched at the rookie level. Soriano did not play in 2022, according to MLB.
Koby Perez, Baltimore’s director of international scouting, recalled Soriano as “a big-bodied kid, but he was still like a kid,” according to the Baltimore Banner. CONTINUE READING…