Aug. 23, 1999: New York Mets' runner Darryl Hamilton (L) is out at the plate on a tag by Houston Astros' catcher Tony Eusebio in the fourth inning at New York's Shea Stadium. (Reuters)
Former Major League outfielder and MLB Network analyst Darryl Hamilton reportedly was killed in a murder-suicide in Texas, police said Monday.
According to Reuters, Pearland police said they found the bodies of Hamilton, 50, and Monica Jordan, 44, in a home. The couple's 14-month-old baby was unharmed and was turned over to Child Protective Services.
According to the Houston Chronicle, officers were sent to the home on an emergency call about a disturbance.
Hamilton's body was found near the front door and Jordan's body was found in another area of the home with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Reuters reported.
Investigators said it appeared Hamilton had been shot more than once, the Chronicle reported.
"At this point it does not appear that there was any kind of struggle. The incident occurred just inside the front door," police Lieutenant Onesimo Lopez told reporters.
Hamilton played 13 seasons for several teams, including the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers, Reuters reported.
He had a career batting average of .291 in 1,328 games with Milwaukee (1988, 1990-95), Texas (1996), San Francisco (1997-98), Colorado (1998-99) and the Mets (1999-2001). He batted left, but threw with his right arm and had a career fielding percentage of .995 with only 14 errors in 2,770 defensive chances.
Hamilton recorded 1,333 hits, 707 runs scored and 454 RBI in his career, the Chronicle reported. He joined MLB Network in 2013.
"We mourn the passing of our friend and colleague, Darryl Hamilton," MLB Network said on Twitter.
In Hamilton's only season with the Rangers, they made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history after winning the AL West title. He also went to the postseason with the Giants and two consecutive years in New York.
Hamilton later worked in operations for the commissioner's office and for baseball's digital arm, MLB Advanced Media.
"All of us at Major League Baseball are shocked and saddened by this tragedy," Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "He was a talented and personable individual, and we were proud to call him a member of the baseball family. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest sympathies to Darryl's family and his many friends throughout our game."
The Mets said they will have a moment of silence for Hamilton prior to Friday's home game against Cincinnati.
"We are saddened by the tragic death of Darryl Hamilton," the team said in a statement. "Darryl's vibrant personality made him a key member of our postseason teams in 1999 and 2000. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
The Rangers praised Hamilton as well and singled out his "memorable" year in Texas.
"He was not only an offensive catalyst and defensive standout on the field but also was a club leader and an outstanding teammate," said the team, which planned a moment of silence before Tuesday night's home game against Oakland.
Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said the team was stunned by the tragedy, "something that is impossible for us to even begin to comprehend."
"Darryl was a wonderful player for our organization, but more importantly, he was a true gentleman and a great friend to many here," said Melvin, who was with Texas during Hamilton's lone season with the Rangers.
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