Jays coach Budzinski is leaving the team after the death of his daughter

TORONTO (AP) – Toronto Blue Jays first base coach Mark Budzinski will no longer be with the team following the death of his eldest daughter Julia.

“The Budzinskis have been part of our Blue Jays family for the past four seasons,” general manager Ross Atkins said in a statement Sunday. “This devastating loss is felt by our entire organization and we mourn with Bud and his family. I have known Bud for more than 25 years and my first admiration has always been his dedication as a father and husband. He is loved and respected throughout our clubhouse and holds a special place in all of our hearts.”

Similar videos

4:18
The Jays Care Foundation’s campaign aims to attract more children to the diamond

previous video

next video

Budzinski and manager Charlie Montoyo left the dugout in the third inning of game two of Saturday’s doubleheader against Tampa Bay. The Blue Jays clubhouse was closed after the 11-5 loss.

Budzinski played four games for Cincinnati in 2003 and retired in 2005. After acting in Cleveland’s minor league system, he joined the then-Indians Big League staff in 2017. Toronto hired Budzinski in November 2018.

___

More AP MLB: and