...Rest In Peace. This post is dedicated to the passing of former-MLB pitcher José Lima, 37, who died last night in his home in Pasadena, CA of an apparent heart attack. "Lima Time" will no longer be observed during a game, but will never be forgotten.
From what I remembered of José Lima, he was a wacky, fun, and very average pitcher for most of his 13-year MLB career. His 1998 and 1999 seasons with the Houston Astros were two of his best. In '98, he went 16-8 with a 3.70 ERA and in '99 he won 21 games, posting a 3.58 ERA. He was also a singer, and sang the National Anthem at his own Dodgers game once.
I always recall seeing a game on TV or watching highlights on SportsCenter and noticing José Lima's hair being different colors and his facial hair changing almost daily. He was eccentric and unscripted, unlike these guys now, with their antics after a big out or save. His teammates loved him and the fans loved him - and one manager in particular had a great line, "He was an animated guy and a fierce competitor and he got people excited," Detroit manager Jim Leyland said. When people remember you for those aforementioned traits, you left your mark.
Lima played for the Tigers, Astros, Royals, Dodgers, and Mets during his 13 seasons, as well as spending the beginning of the 2003 season with the Atlantic League's Newark Bears. His career ERA of 5.26 is nothing special, but he brought something to the park that stats did not indicate - a love for the game and a man who had a great time playing the game. He respected baseball - and you don't often see that today (see: Hanley Ramirez).
José Lima will be missed. RIP and it'll always be "Lima Time".
Here's a little photo gallery of images I've scoured the internet for of José Lima:
