Former State College Spikes manager, MLB outfielder and coach Kimera Bartee dies at 49
Detroit Tigers first base coach, former Spikes manager and former Major League outfielder Kimera Bartee died on Monday in his father’s home in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 49.
Bartee was named as the Spikes manager in 2011, when the team played to a 31-44 record. Spikes General Manager Scott Walker released a statement on the death of Bartee.
“We are heartbroken to learn that Kimera Bartee has passed away at the age of 49,” Walker said in a statement. “KB [Bartee] was our manager with the Spikes in 2011, and his impact as an instructor extended around the baseball world.
“We will remember his joyous spirit, his love for baseball, and most of all, his love for his family. Our hearts join those of his family and his many friends in mourning this tragic loss.”
Bartee played four seasons for the Tigers 1996-98, prior to playing two more seasons with the Cincinnati Reds in 2000 and the Colorado Rockies in 2001. The former MLB outfielder was from Omaha and played for Creighton Bluejays.
The Tigers made the announcement on Tuesday, with no cause of death specified.
“Throughout his time in our organization as both a player and coach, Kimera was known as a kind soul but intense competitor who did his best every day to elevate those around him to do great things,” Tigers General Manager Al Avila said. “While Tigers fans got used to seeing him in the first base coach’s box, Kimera’s impact on our ballclub went far deeper and will be sorely missed. In speaking with Kimera’s father, Jerry Bartee, we offered our condolences and support to his family.”
Detroit hired Bartee as the team’s roving outfield and baserunning coordinator, prior to being named as the first base coach on July 16. He previously served as the first base coach and outfield instructor for the Pittsburgh Pirates and served as a roving baserunning and bunting coordinator for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020. After serving as a field coach for the Orioles-affiliated Delmarva Shorebirds, he became the Pirates’ roving instructor and then the manager of the Spikes. He was with the Pirates organization from 2008-19.
“From the start of spring training last year, it was clear that KB was the epitome of a player’s coach, having an uncanny ability to build deep connections with anyone from a rookie to a 10-year veteran,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said in a statement. “I was proud of his selflessness and adaptability when he quickly shifted to the major league staff last season, and how excited he was about the bright future he had in both baseball and life. The sport has lost an amazing man, but more importantly his family has lost a loving fiance, father, and son.”
