Former Astros players Luis Valbuena, José Castillo die in car accident
Chandler Rome
Houston Chronicle
December 7, 2018

Luis Valbuena (c) Houston Astros

José Castillo (c) Houston Astros

Luis Valbuena, the charismatic, bat-flipping third baseman who played an integral part on the Astros' 2015 Wild Card team, died in a car accident following a winter ball game in his native Venezuela on Thursday along with former Astro José Castillo.

The news was confirmed by the Cardinals of Lara, a Venezuelan winter ball team for whom both men played a game on Thursday. Valbuena was 33 and Castillo was 37.

According to reports in Venezuela, the car transporting Valbuena and Castillo hit a rock in the road. Four men were arrested in connection with the accident, Julio Leon Heredia – the governor of Yaracuy – announced Friday afternoon.

Heredia told meridiano.com that the four men were found with some of Valbuena's and Castillo's belongings. It is customary, Heredia said, for criminals or gangs to place large rocks in the middle of the street in hopes of either stopping or overturning vehicles to rob those inside.

Neither Valbuena nor Castillo was wearing a seatbelt. Both were ejected from the vehicle, according to on-site reports.

"The Astros family lost two young men yesterday, entirely too soon," the organization said in a statement Friday morning. "During his two seasons in Houston, Luis was an extremely popular player with his teammates and the Astros staff. He was a productive player on the field and played a key role in the Astros run to the postseason in 2015. Off the field, he was a warm and friendly presence to all who interacted with him. José's time with the Astros was brief, but he also had a positive impact on those around him. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends."

Former major league infielder Carlos Rivero survived the accident. The car was driven by Rivero's chauffeur, who also survived according to BeisbolPlay.com. The car was bound for Barquisimeto – a city in northwest Venezuela.

"This is a very sad day for our sport as we mourn the deaths of Luis Valbuena and José Castillo," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "It is clear by all the stories today that they loved baseball and made an impact on their teammates and the Clubs they represented. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends and fans, particularly those in their native Venezuela."

Acquired in a trade that sent Dexter Fowler to the Cubs, Valbuena appeared in 132 games and hit a career-high 25 home runs during the Astros’ 2015 season, the first under manager A.J. Hinch and the franchise’s first postseason appearance since 2005.

A versatile defender who played both first and third base, Valbuena became known for his pronounced bat flips following any successful plate appearance – even walks – and infectious smile which permeated the clubhouse.

Tributes poured in from Valbuena’s former Astros teammates on Friday morning. José Altuve, a Venezuelan, posted pictures of both men on Instagram with a Spanish caption saying "I can’t believe what’s going on."

On Twitter, pitcher Collin McHugh called him "such a huge piece of our success story." Part of a lengthy Instagram post in Spanish from Marwin González read "You left this world without an enemy because your principles, your kindness and your charisma would not let you have it."

In a statement, Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow called Valbuena one of "the happiest players in baseball."

"I will miss Luis’ banter, smile, genuine love for his teammates, and, of course, the bat flips," Hinch said in a statement. "He was a beloved person whether he was on our team or across the field. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the lucky ones who could call him a teammate or friend."

Valbuena slashed .224/.310/.438 in 2015 and started each of Houston’s six postseason games at third base. He hit a home run in the team’s Game 5, season-ending loss to the Royals in the American League Division Series.

In 2016, Valbuena seemed destined for another career season before sustaining a season-ending hamstring injury. In the 90 games prior to the injury, which required surgery, Valbuena knocked 13 home runs and hit .260.

Valbuena played 222 career games as an Astro.

"Luis was always smiling and was one of the happiest players in baseball," Luhnow said. "He provided joy to his teammates and our fans. He helped our franchise turn a corner in 2015 and provided many cherished memories. We will forever remember him."

The Angels signed Valbuena as a free agent following the 2016 season. He played all of 2017 and part of 2018 in Los Angeles before he was designated for assignment and released in August.

Castillo was a veteran of five major league seasons who ended his career with the Astros. The infielder, played 15 games in Houston before leaving for the Mexican League following the 2008 season.

Valbuena, José Castillo killed in car accident
Brian McTaggart
Astros.com
December 7, 2018

Tributes and sorrow poured in from all corners of the baseball world Friday following the tragic deaths of free-agent infielder Luis Valbuena and former Major League infielder José Castillo in a car crash late Thursday in their native Venezuela, where they were playing winter ball.

Their team, Cardenales de Lara, confirmed via Twitter both men had been killed in the crash, which occurred after they had played in a game Thursday night. According to media reports from Venezuela, two other men in the car, including former big league infielder Carlos Rivero, survived.

Four men were taken into custody in the state of Yaracuy, where the state's governor, Julio Leon Heredia, said via Twitter that they were allegedly involved in causing the crash and robbing the players of their belongings. Media reports stated the SUV the players were riding in crashed after encountering a rock in the road.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement on Friday afternoon.

"This is a very sad day for our sport as we mourn the deaths of Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo," the statement read. "It is clear by all the stories today that they loved baseball and made an impact on their teammates and the clubs they represented. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends and fans, particularly those in their native Venezuela."

Valbuena, 33, played the previous two seasons with the Angels, hitting .199 with nine homers and 33 RBIs in 96 games in 2018 before being released in August. He was a career .226 hitter with 114 homers and 367 RBIs over 11 big league seasons, also playing for the Mariners, Indians, Cubs and Astros while forging a reputation as one of the most likeable players in the game.

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Angel Luis Valbuena and former MLB infielder Jose Castillo. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones during this time of grief," the Angels said on Twitter.

Many of Valbuena's former teammates were shaken when they read news of his death on social media early Friday.

"We're thinking about Luis Valbuena's family today. Our thoughts go to them. RIP to a teammate and a friend…" Angels outfielder Mike Trout wrote on Twitter.

Astros second baseman José Altuve, a teammate of Valbuena's in 2015-16 and also a native of Venezuela, expressed his disbelief on Instagram, writing in Spanish: "I still can't believe what's going on … rest in peace brothers."

Castillo, 37, last appeared in the Major Leagues for the Astros in 2008. He also played for the Pirates and Giants in parts of five Major League seasons, batting .254 with 39 homers and 218 RBIs.

"The Astros family lost two young men yesterday, entirely too soon," the team said in a statement. "During his two seasons in Houston, Luis was an extremely popular player with his teammates and the Astros' staff. He was a productive player on the field and played a key role in the Astros' run to the postseason in 2015. Off the field, he was a warm and friendly presence to all who interacted with him. Jose's time with the Astros was brief, but he also had a positive impact on those around him. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends."

Angels general manager Billy Eppler remembered both men in a statement released by the club.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo," the statement read. "Beyond Luis' many accomplishments on the field, we will all remember him for his magnetic personality, radiant smile and ability to make the people around him better. He will be truly missed by all in the baseball community. Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to both the Valbuena and Castillo families."

Via Twitter, the Indians expressed their condolences.

"The Indians are saddened to hear of the passing of former Tribe infielder Luis Valbuena. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."

Valbuena's passion for the game was evident in the way he played and interacted with teammates on and off the field. An enormously popular player in any clubhouse he stepped into, Valbuena's penchant for flipping his bat -- whether on a homer or a single -- was a sign of how much he enjoyed the game.

"I am so sad to hear about the sudden loss of Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said in a statement. "I will miss Luis' banter, smile, genuine love for his teammates and, of course, the bat flips. He was a beloved person whether he was on our team or across the field. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the lucky ones who could call him a teammate or friend."

Indians pitcher Danny Salazar tweeted: "So sad for this news. God has a good place for you in heaven mi amigo. All My condolences to the Valbuena and Castillo family. #ripbrother."

Free-agent catcher Rene Rivera, who played with Valbuena briefly this past season, also tweeted: "Sad to wake up to the news of the loss of teammate Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo. Praying for their families to find comfort in such a difficult time. You will be missed ValBueeeeeena."

A teammate of Valbuena for two years, Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs wrote: "RIP Luuuuuu... I will miss you brotha. Gone way too soon. Great teammate and great person. Every day he would have a smile that would light up the room." p>

The Venezuelan League will suspend games scheduled for Friday, and players will wear black armbands in memory of Valbuena and Castillo.