Ken Caminiti, 1996 NL MVP, Dies at Age 41

Ken Caminiti, 1996 NL MVP, Dies at Age 41

Ken Caminiti, the 1996 National League MVP who later admitted using steroids during his major league career, died Sunday. He was 41. Caminiti died of a heart attack in the Bronx, said his agent-lawyer Rick Licht. The city medical examiner's office said an autopsy would be performed Monday, spokeswoman Ellen Borakove said. "I'm still in shock," San Diego Padres general manager Kevin Towers said. "He was one of my favorite all-time players."

The three-time All-Star third baseman often was in trouble the last few years. His 15-year big league career ended in 2001, five seasons after he led the Padres to a division title and was a unanimous pick for MVP. Just last Tuesday, he admitted in a Houston court that he violated his probation by testing positive for cocaine last month, and was sentenced to 180 days in jail. But state District Judge William Harmon gave Caminiti credit for the 189 days he already served in jail and a treatment facility since he was sentenced to three years probation for a cocaine arrest in March 2001.

In May 2002, Caminiti told Sports Illustrated that he used steroids during his MVP season, when he hit a career-high .326 with 40 home runs and 130 RBIs. He estimated half the players in the big leagues were also using them.

Licht said Caminiti hoped to get back into the game, possibly in a position that would allow him to mentor younger players about avoiding the mistakes he made. Caminiti did return to baseball this year, serving as a spring training instructor with San Diego. "He didn't look good," Towers said. "I'm not surprised.

What a waste. Caminiti played for the Braves for part of the 2001 season, filling in at both 1st and 3rd base, and was still an all-out ballplayer even though his skills had diminished since his MVP peak. He was pretty clearly a troubled individual off the field, though.

(via Steven Taylor)

Update (10/14): Ken Caminiti Dies of Drug Overdose, Autopsy Shows


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Rafael Furcal Homers in 11th to Tie Series

After getting shelling in yesterday's game 1, it was looking like the Braves were going to lose a close one today. Instead, Rafael Furcal's two run homer in the 11th inning won it for the Braves, 4-2 over the Houston Astros, sending the series back to Houston.

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Rafael Furcal to Compete in Playoffs Despite Parole Violation

Judge lets Furcal compete in playoffs (AJC)

Braves shortstop Rafael Furcal can compete in the playoffs despite his recent arrest on DUI charges, a judge ruled Wednesday morning . Once the Braves' playoff run ends, Furcal will begin a 49-day sentence for violating terms of his probation, State Court Judge David Darden said. Darden ordered Furcal to be confined at 5 p.m. the day after the baseball season ends. The infielder, charged with DUI Sept. 10 in Atlanta, will spend 21 days at the Cobb County Jail and then be transferred by deputies to a 28-day inpatient treatment program where he will remain confined, Darden said. Furcal was 49 days short of completing a one-year probation for a June 2000 DUI conviction. The sentence allows the leadoff hitter to make the team's first playoff game at 4 p.m. today against the visiting Houston Astros.

Until the end of the season, Darden ordered that Furcal not participate in any Braves celebrations, that he be confined to his home or hotel except while playing, and that he be monitored around the clock. The Braves have agreed to appoint someone to monitor him and a probation officer will be able to check in on him at any time. Darden commended Furcal for admitting he had a drinking problem and for seeking treatment.

Furcal, dressed in an athletic jacket, did not speak to the media. After the hearing, defense attorney William Head said an agreement was being worked on with Atlanta prosecutors so that his client will not serve any more time behind bars for the Sept. 10 offense. Cobb officials said Furcal's travel schedule made him ineligible for the standard work release program.

As a Braves fan, I'm glad to see the team and its are not going to be punished for Furcal's indiscretions. And I've got mixed feelings about the way we handle DUI cases, anyway. This does seem to be part of a growing trend, though, of athletes getting special treatment by judges, such as the decision to let Ravens running back Jamal Lewis serve his six month sentence in his federal drug conspiracy case over the offseason. One wonders if such dispensations are given to non-celebrities whose work schedule is seasonal.

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