Former Pirates coach Bartee dies at 49

Former Pirates first base coach Kimera Bartee has died at the age of 49.

The news was announced by the Tigers, who Bartee coached first base for in 2021, and then confirmed by the Pirates shortly after.

“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the sudden passing of Kimera Bartee,” Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said in the team’s statement. “He was a great person, whose upbeat attitude and infectious smile would always lift the spirits of anyone who interacted with him. Our hearts go out to his family, whom he loved so much. He was much too young and will be dearly missed.”

The cause of death has not yet been revealed.

Bartee spent 12 years with the Pirates organization, including as major-league first base coach from 2017-2019. He spent the previous nine years before that as the baserunning/outfield coordinator, and managed former affiliate State College of the New York-Penn League in 2011.

He joined the Tigers and manager A.J. Hinch’s staff ahead of the 2021 season.

“Like many across baseball, I was devastated by the news of Kimera’s passing,” Hinch said in a statement released by the Tigers. “From the start of spring training last year, it was clear that “KB” was the epitome of a player’s coach, having an uncanny ability to build deep connections with anyone from a rookie to a 10-year veteran. I was proud of his selflessness and adaptability when he quickly shifted to the Major League staff last season, and how excited he was about the bright future he had in both baseball and life. 

"The sport has lost an amazing man, but more importantly his family has lost a loving fiancé, father, and son."

He played 243 major-league games across six seasons with the Tigers, Reds and Rockies, and 12 years as a professional overall.