Kimera Bartee, 49, Leaves Behind Family, Fiancé & Three Children

Kimera Bartee, a former Major League Baseball player and coach, passed away on December 20, 2021 at the age of 49. The baseball world mourned the shocking loss of Bartee, who had recently reunited with the Detroit Tigers organization.

Bartee began his professional MLB career as an outfielder with the Detroit Tigers in 1996 after being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1993. Known for his speed and strong defense, Bartee spent three seasons with Detroit before joining the Cincinnati Reds. Though he struggled at the plate over his career, tallying a .216 batting average, Bartee excelled on the base paths and in the outfield.

Following his retirement as a player in 2001, Bartee transitioned into coaching roles within MLB farm systems. He coached in the minors for the Baltimore Orioles, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Philadelphia Phillies over the past two decades. Bartee had recently been hired as the first base coach for the Detroit Tigers for the 2021 season, returning to the organization where he started his playing career.

The baseball community expressed shock and grief over Bartee’s sudden passing. Just weeks earlier, Bartee had been preparing for his new coaching role with the Tigers. But he tragically passed away on December 20th due to complications from a large brain tumor.

Kimera Bartee, Former MLB Player and Coach, Dies at 49

Former Major League Baseball player and coach Kimera Bartee died unexpectedly at age 49 on December 20, 2021. The beloved baseball figure’s sudden death from a brain tumor has shocked and saddened those who knew him.

Bartee passed away at his father’s home in Omaha, Nebraska at just 49 years old. Only months earlier, he had been rehired as first base coach for the Detroit Tigers for the 2022 season. But Bartee’s life was tragically cut short.

According to Bartee’s father Jerry, his son was rushed to the hospital early Tuesday morning after collapsing but died at 3 am due to complications from a large, previously undetected brain tumor.

The news of Bartee’s premature death has rocked the baseball community. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch shared his devastation, stating

“Like many across baseball, I was devastated by the news of Kimera’s passing,” “The sport has lost an amazing man, but more importantly his family has lost a loving fiancé, father and son.”

Hinch said.

Pirates chairman Bob Nutting also expressed his sorrow, saying

“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the sudden passing of Kimera Bartee,” “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.”

said Pirates chairman, Bob Nutting.

Bartee’s sudden death was especially shocking given that he had not complained of any pain or health problems in the days prior. The tumor that took his life appears to have gone undetected until it was too late.

Bartee’s Early Life and Baseball Beginnings in Omaha

Former MLB player and coach Kimera Bartee was born on July 21, 1972, in Omaha, Nebraska. He was born to his parents Jerry Bartee (Father), and Ramona (Mother).

Bartee’s sister Ramona Paulyne Bartee recently shared fond memories of her beloved brother after his passing, reminiscing about their close relationship and the fun they had spending time together watching movies and enjoying each other’s company.

Kimera Bartee….

Hey Marner,
It’s been one year since I’ve seen you alive. I miss you sooooooo much. I used to say “I just wish I knew that this was our last night out.….I wish I knew that these were the last photos we would ever take together..”

Then I had a thought the other day……

“Why?? We would have done everything the exact same way.”

We never did anything crazy eventful. We just hung out, watched tons of movies, ate food we knew we weren’t supposed to eat, and just enjoyed being in each others space.

You. Were. Perfect.

Thank you for making our last picture together one of the best we have ever taken.

I love you forever Marner. I miss you and I will forever have a you sized hole in the middle of my chest.

She said (Source: Instagram)

Like his father Jerry Bartee, Kimera attended Omaha Central High School where he starred as a standout center fielder and second baseman for the high school team. After batting over .400 in back-to-back seasons, Bartee was named to the Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska baseball team.

After a successful high school career, Bartee became the first graduate of Omaha Central to go on to play Major League Baseball. He was inducted into the Omaha Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018.

Also Read: Beloved Coach, Chad McMullin, dies at the age of 52

Bartee played college baseball locally at Creighton University. As a standout player for the Bluejays, he helped lead the team to its first College World Series appearance in 1991. Bartee credited the school and his coach with helping foster his passion for the game.

Kimera Bartee was Survived by his Fiance and Children

In addition to his parents, Kimera Bartee is survived by his loving fiancée Terri Slide and three children – Andrew, 26, Amari, 23, and Taeja, 17.

Bartee was a dedicated family man who regularly shared his love for his children and fiancée publicly. Just weeks before his shocking death, he had posted online wishing his daughter Taeja a happy 15th birthday.

Bartee’s son Amari, 21, has also pursued baseball, playing the sport his father loved for the past two years. The two were able to bond over their shared passion.

The Detroit Tigers organization, where Bartee played and coached, offered condolences to Bartee’s family after the tragedy. The team pledged continued support, saying “The thoughts and prayers of everyone in the organization are with Kimera’s family and friends, and his memory and spirit will never be forgotten.”

While the baseball world mourns the loss of Bartee, his family grieves the absence of a loving father, son, and fiancé.

Kimera Bartee Career

Kimera Bartee embarked on his MLB playing career as an outfielder with the Detroit Tigers in 1996 after being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1993. Despite struggles at the plate, the speedy Bartee excelled on the base paths and defensively. In his rookie 1996 season, he led the Tigers with 20 stolen bases. Bartee went on to spend four seasons with Detroit before later playing for the Reds and Rockies, appearing in 220 MLB games in total.

Following his retirement as a player in 2001, Bartee moved into coaching roles in the minor league systems of the Baltimore Orioles, Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies. He was able to pass on his knowledge and mentor young players on their path to the majors.

Bartee had recently rejoined the Detroit Tigers as first base coach for the 2022 season, returning to the organization where he first made his name as a player. But his sudden passing in December 2021 left the team mourning the loss of his contributions as both player and coach.

Detroit’s executives praised Bartee’s impact on the field and his character off it. GM Al Avila and manager A.J. Hinch released statements honoring Bartee’s legacy as both a talented player and dedicated mentor to younger athletes throughout his decades-long MLB career.

Early Minor League Success with Orioles Organization

Kimera Bartee took a winding path to reach the major leagues. He was originally drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 14th round of the 1993 MLB draft after a college career at Creighton. Bartee excelled in the Orioles’ minor league system from 1993 to 1995, showcasing his speed and strong defense while playing for Bluefield, Frederick, and Bowie. In 1994, he was named the top prospect for the Frederick Keys and the best baserunner in the Carolina League by Baseball America.

You may also Interested: Jake McKinlay, 20, a basketball player Dies in a Car Crash

Bartee made his MLB debut in 1996 with the Detroit Tigers after they selected him in the Rule 5 draft when the Orioles had left him unprotected. He appeared in 110 games for Detroit that rookie season and led the team with 20 stolen bases despite struggling at the plate. Bartee remained with the Tigers through the 1999 season, continuing to excel on the basepaths and defense while having difficulties hitting consistently.

Later MLB Stops with the Reds and Rockies

After his time in Detroit, Bartee played for the Cincinnati Reds in 2000 following a trade and then signed with the Colorado Rockies for his final MLB season in 2001. Over the course of his 6-season major league career, Bartee appeared in 220 games, batting .216 but standing out for his speed and strong outfield play.

Switches to Coaching After Playing Career

When his playing days ended, Bartee embarked on a second baseball career as a coach. He began coaching in the minor league systems for the Baltimore Orioles, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Philadelphia Phillies starting in 2005 after retiring as a player in 2004.

Bartee’s extensive coaching experience and a strong reputation for developing young talent led the Detroit Tigers to name him their first base coach for the 2021 season, returning to the organization where he started his MLB playing career. Although Bartee sadly passed away before filling his role as Tigers coach, he left a legacy as both a persevering player and a dedicated mentor.