Former MLB outfielder who played for several teams, including the Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds, and later became a coach.
Kimera Bartee, a renowned American professional baseball outfielder and coach, left an indelible mark on the sport, playing in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, and Colorado Rockies from 1996 to 2001. Later, he coached in the minor leagues and returned to MLB as a coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2017, and subsequently for the Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers.
Bartee was born on July 21, 1972, in Omaha, Nebraska, and is an alumnus of Omaha Central High School. He was the first graduate of Omaha Central to play major league baseball, an achievement that earned him a place in the Omaha Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018.
Bartee attended Creighton University, where he played college baseball for the Creighton Bluejays. In 1991, he appeared with Creighton in the College World Series. The following summer, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Hyannis Mets of the Cape Cod Baseball League.
The Baltimore Orioles selected Bartee in the 14th round of the 1993 MLB Draft. After being traded to the Minnesota Twins, he was returned to the Orioles when he was selected from the Twins in the Rule 5 draft in 1995. Bartee made his major league debut with the Detroit Tigers on April 3, 1996, after being claimed off waivers during spring training.
In 1997, Bartee was named by Baseball America as the fastest baserunner and best defensive outfielder in the International League.
After retiring from playing, Bartee turned to coaching, working in the minor leagues before returning to MLB as a coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2017. He later coached for the Philadelphia Phillies, before rejoining the Detroit Tigers as first base coach in 2021.
Kimera Bartee's remarkable journey in baseball, both as a player and coach, has left a lasting impact on the sport. His achievements serve as an inspiration to young players and coaches, and his legacy continues to grow with each new generation of baseball enthusiasts.
In Memoriam: Kimera Bartee (1972-2021)
Kimera Bartee's passing on December 20, 2021, was met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from the baseball community, celebrating his life and contributions to the sport he loved.
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