Mon May 26 13:52:55 2008

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Former Major League pitcher Gonzalez dies at 33

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Caracas, Venezuela (Sports Network) - Former major league pitcher Geremi Gonzalez was stuck by lightning and killed in his native Venezuela on Monday, according to an official.

The 33-year-old right-hander, who pitched for five MLB teams from 1997-2006, was hit by lightning at a beach, emergency management official Herman Bracho said.

"The Chicago Cubs are very saddened today to learn of Geremi Gonzalezs sudden passing," general manager Jim Hendry said in a statement. "Geremi began his career as a Cub, leading our pitching staff with 11 wins as a rookie in 1997 and, despite an arm injury, helping the club early in the season a year later to an eventual post-season appearance. The organization sends its heartfelt condolences to his family."

Gonzalez had a career record of 30-35 with a 4.93 earned run average and appeared in 131 games for the Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay, Boston, Milwaukee and New York Mets. His best season came in 1997 when he finished 11-9 with a 4.25 ERA in 23 starts for the Cubs.

He spent spring training with Toronto in 2006, but was released prior to the start of the regular season and last pitched in Japan for the Yomiuri Giants in 2007.