Hector Ortiz, former major league catcher and longtime coach in the Texas Rangers’ organization, died today of lung cancer at the age of 54.
Ortiz, a native of Puerto Rico, attended both Paris Junior College and Ranger College in Texas, and was drafted in the 35th round of the 1988 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. He played professionally from 1988 through 2005, and spent parts of four seasons in the majors, including a seven game stint with the Rangers in 2002.
After his playing days were over, Ortiz spent fifteen years in the Rangers’ organization.