World Series champ Julio Lugo dead at 45
Julio Lugo was a 43rd round draft pick who eventually became champion
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Julio Lugo, a former MLB infielder who was a part of the 2007 Boston Red Sox World Series championship, has died from an apparent heart attack, his family said. He was 45.
Lugo’s family told ESPN of the former MLB player’s death.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Julio Lugo of the Red Sox turns a double play over Brad Hawpe of the Colorado Rockies during Game Two of the 2007 Major League Baseball World Series at Fenway Park on Oct. 25, 2007, in Boston, Massachusetts. (Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Lugo, who was born in the Dominican Republic, was selected by the Houston Astros in the 43rd round of the 1994 MLB Draft out of Connors State College in Oklahoma. He made his debut with the Astros in 2000. He played more than three seasons with Houston before he was released and later picked up by the Tampa Bay Rays.
He was on the 2007 Red Sox team that beat the Colorado Rockies in the World Series. It was his only ring as a player. He also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves until he retired following the 2011 season.
Shortstop Julio Lugo of the Boston Red Sox gestures to the fans during a Grapefruit League spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays at City of Palms Park on March 8, 2009, in Fort Myers, Florida. (J. Meric/Getty Images)
Tributes poured in on social media after word of Lugo’s death trickled out.
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In 1,352 games, Lugo hit 80 home runs and batted .269 with a .716 OPS. He also had 198 stolen bases during his career.
Julio Lugo of the Red Sox is congratulated by teammate Manny Ramirez after scoring against the Detroit Tigers on April 8, 2008, during opening day at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Elsa/Getty Images)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Lugo is survived by his wife, with whom he had a son and two daughters. He also had another son with a different spouse.