Pirates Issue Statement on Death of Kimera Bartee

The Pittsburgh Pirates joined Major League Baseball in mourning the sudden death of Tigers’ first base coach Kimera Bartee. Bartee served as Pittsburgh’s first base coach and outfield instructor for three seasons from 2017-19.

“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the sudden passing of Kimera Bartee,” Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said. “He was a great person whose upbeat attitude and infectious smile would always lift the spirits of anyone who interacted with him. Our hearts go out to his family, whom he loved so much. He was much too young and will be dearly missed.”

In total, Bartee spent 12 years in the Pirates’ organization, having also spent nine seasons as their minor league outfield/baserunning coordinator in addition to managing State College in the New York Penn League in 2011.

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Pirates coach, Kimera Bartee. He was a great person with an infectious smile and energy.

He will truly be missed. pic.twitter.com/4VzTCebL6O

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) December 21, 2021