Hector Ortiz, Rangers coach and former MLB catcher, dead at 54

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Hector Ortiz, a former MLB catcher and coach in the Texas Rangers organization, has died after a battle with cancer, the team announced on Wednesday. He was 54.

The Rangers released a statement on Ortiz’s passing. He served as a coach on the Rangers’ minor league player development staff and served on the MLB staff from 2015 to 2020 in various roles, including first base coach, bullpen coach and catching coordinator.

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Texas Rangers first base coach Hector Ortiz, #4, walks through the dugout talking with players during a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)

"Mr. Ortiz was a beloved member of the Texas Rangers organization who had an enormous impact as a teacher of the game, a mentor to players and staff, and a loyal friend to so many," the team said. "He brought a positive attitude and spirit to the ballpark each and every day, and his influence on the Rangers’ baseball operations department will not soon be forgotten.

"His courageous fight of more than three years against cancer inspired Rangers coach Bobby Wilson to design a blue hoodie with a Texas-inspired catcher’s mask and ‘Hector Strong’ on the sleeve with proceeds of the hoodie sales going to support families battling cancer."

Hector Ortiz, #4 of the Texas Rangers, looks on during the game against the Minnesota Twins on Aug. 3, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis. (Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

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Ortiz made his MLB debut in 1998 with the Kansas City Royals. He