Duffy: Ventura had an enormous heart and loved his teammates
As the tragic death of Kansas City Royals starter Yordano Ventura continues to settle in as reality, the 25-year-old's teammates are still having a hard time putting into words what the young starter meant to the Royals clubhouse and organization.
"It’s really indescribable, to be honest with you," Royals left-hander Danny Duffy said, according to Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star.
"We don’t want to believe it. He had an enormous heart. He loved his teammates. He just really enjoyed being at the ballpark. He’ll be greatly missed for sure."
Accompanied by teammate Christian Colon, Duffy was at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City on Sunday to meet with fans and pay tribute to Ventura, offering his condolences and embracing the Royals faithful.
Duffy and Ventura were connected in many ways throughout their careers. Ventura was called up to make his major-league debut on Sept. 17, 2013, starting in place of an injured Duffy. At the time, the veteran southpaw told the Star his thoughts on the young call-up: "He throws gas. He’s got a really good curve ball, and a really good change-up. He’s a lot like me. If he wrangles his stuff, it’s going to be scary. I’m excited to watch him pitch."
As fate would have it, Ventura was awarded the team's fifth and final rotation spot after a strong spring training the following season, with Duffy again ceding his place in the pecking order to the youngster (though he still made 25 starts that season). Ventura went on to have a fantastic rookie campaign, winning 14 games and posting a 3.20 ERA.
Affectionately dubbed "Ace" by his Royals teammates, Ventura was killed in a car accident early Sunday morning in his native Dominican Republic.