Blue Jays coach Mark Budzinski leaves the team after the death of his daughter

Toronto Blue Jays announce On Sunday, first base coach Mark Budzinski will miss the team following the death of his eldest daughter. Julia Budzinsky was seventeen years old.

“This devastating loss is felt by our entire organization and we mourn Bud and his family,” said Ross Atkins, the team’s general manager and chief of baseball operations, in a statement. “I have known Budd for over 25 years and have always been impressed by his commitment as a father and husband first. He is loved and respected by our entire club and holds a special place in our hearts.”

Before a game in Toronto on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays, players and coaches of both teams lined up along the porous lines for a moment of silence while a photo of Julia Budzinski was displayed at the Rogers Center.

Budzinski had left Saturday’s game against the Rays in the third inning. He was accompanied by coach Charlie Montoyo, who was temporarily replaced by bench coach John Schneider, while Luis Hurtado took over as head coach.

After the Blue Jays game on Sunday, a 7-3 Rice wins, Montoyo told reporters that “everyone in our club thinks of Bud.”

“There are good men and great men. He is a great man,” He said Director. “You’d agonize over anyone, but he’s a special kind of person.”

“This tragedy reminds us of what is most important in life,” Montoyo added. “As a father and husband, my heart breaks for Bud and his family.”

Director of Radiology Kevin Cash He said Before Sunday’s game, his thoughts were with Budzinski and the coach’s family, as well as the Blue Jays organization as a whole.

“I know yesterday was a rough day; today was a rough day,” Cash said. “So we’re sad too.”

Richmond TV station WTVR On Sunday, it was reported that Julia Budzinsky died in a pipe accident. The station cited sources who said it fell from its pipe into the James River on Saturday.

Principal of Julia Budzinski High School in Henrico County, Virginia, He said On Twitter, a celebration of her life will take place Sunday evening outside school. When a school spokesperson was reached by email, he declined to comment.

The 48-year-old is from Severna Park, Md. Budzinski is in his fourth season as the first head coach of the Blue Jays. He appeared in four major league games in 2003 as a player for the Cincinnati Reds before ending his football career in 2005.

After spending several years as a Virginia real estate agent, Budzinski returned to the game in 2014 and began managing minor league teams at the Cleveland Corporation. In addition to the opportunity to be a head coach in the league, Budzinski was drawn to Toronto due to his long tenure. Friendship with Atkinsa former teammate during their minor league playing days.

Tigers manager AJ Hinch, another former Budzinski teammate, expressed his grief on Sunday.

“He’s someone I consider a dear friend,” Hinch Tell Correspondents before a game against the Kansas City Royals. His daughter is the same age as my daughters. Tough morning.”

Blue Jays said Budzinski will be spending time with his family, including his wife, daughter and surviving son.