Ex-Houston Astros prospect, Ronny Garcia, was fatally involved in a traffic accident on the Las Galeras-Samaná highway in Samaná, Dominican Republic, on April 19, 2024. The accident, which involved a collision between two motorcycles, also claimed the lives of Garcia’s father and another individual. Garcia was 24.
Born in Samaná, located in the northeastern region of the Caribbean island, Garcia showed immense potential as a pitcher in the Astros organization. He began his baseball journey with the Astros at the age of 16 when he signed as an international free agent in 2016. His career progressed through various levels of the team’s minor league system.
Between 2017 and 2023, Garcia played in the Astros’ minor leagues, securing nine victories and 15 defeats. Starting his career in the Dominican Summer League, he relocated to the U.S. in 2021, where he earned a 2.11 ERA with the Florida Complex League and Class-A Fayetteville.
Garcia’s form remained impressive in 2022, as he allowed only one run over a span of 18.1 innings. Throughout his professional career of 122 games and 186.2 innings, Garcia held a 3.42 ERA. His record includes 170 hits, 71 earned runs, eight home runs, 100 walks, and 200 strikeouts.
Before his untimely demise, Garcia was slated to play for the York Revolution in Pennsylvania for the 2024 season. The Revolution is a semi-professional team in the Atlantic League, known for producing over 900 Major League Baseball players since its establishment in 1998. Revolution’s manager, Rick Forney, had previously praised Garcia, stating, “He’s a promising young addition to our bullpen. His career statistics are impressive, and he’s a fascinating young pitcher. I’m eager to see him expand beyond a single-inning role, possibly as a bridge in the sixth or seventh inning. I’m looking forward to working with him closely.”
On hearing about his sudden death, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Garcia’s former team, expressed their sorrow. They released a statement that said, “Ronny was with Fayetteville for three seasons, always seen smiling at the ballpark. He was a skilled pitcher and a cherished team member. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family in these tough times.”
The shocking news of Garcia’s death has spurred an outpouring of tributes on social media from fans, teammates, and baseball organizations. The Astros organization also conveyed their deep sorrow over the loss of Garcia, extending their heartfelt condolences to his family and friends,” on X on Saturday morning, April 20.
