Former Red Sox Champion Julio Lugo Dead At 45

Julio Lugo, a former shortstop who had a 12-year Major League career and won a championship with the Red Sox in 2007, has passed away at the age of 45. Lugo's family confirmed to ESPN's Enrique Rojas that the lifetime .269 hitter died as the result of an apparent heart attack.

Lugo's 46th birthday would've been today, November 16th.

Throughout his 12 Major League seasons, Lugo played for seven different teams. He was drafted by the Astros in the 43rd round of the 1994 draft and made his Houston debut in 2000. Lugo spent four seasons in Houston before playing for Tampa Bay, the Dodgers, Red Sox, Cardinals, Orioles and Braves.

He was best known for his time with Boston (2007-2009) where he helped the Red Sox claim a World Series title in 2007. During that '07 title season, Lugo had a 14-game hit streak and also set a team record for consecutive stolen bases (20). In a four game sweep of the Rockies in the World Series, Lugo batted .385 with five hits in 13 at bats.

A native of the Dominican Republic, Lugo finished his career with 80 home runs, 475 RBI and a .269 career average.

The Red Sox, as well as a number of other MLB teams, have extended their sympathies to the Lugo family via Twitter.

"The Red Sox mourn the loss of former shortstop and 2007 World Series Champion Julio Lugo. We send our thoughts and love to the Lugo family," said the tweet.

OutKick would also like to extend our condolences to the Lugo family.

 

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