47-year-old Jeremy Giambi, a former major leaguer, dies in California
LOS ANGELES — Jeremy Giambi was a former outfielder in the major leagues and first baseman. He died Wednesday at his home in Southern California, according to his agent and police. He was 47 years old.
According to police Lt. Robert Ewing, Giambi was found dead at Claremont, east Los Angeles, by officers responding to reports of a medical emergency around 11:30 am.
Ewing stated that the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office would determine the cause of death.
Joel Wolfe, Giambi’s agent said that the family asked for privacy during difficult times.
Jeremy Giambi was the brother of Jason Giambi, five-time All Star. He spent six seasons as an outfielder/first baseman in major leagues with Kansas City (1998-1999), Oakland (2000–02), Philadelphia (2002), and Boston (2002–03).
Jeremy was a.263 hitter with 52 homers, and 209 RBIs. 2001 was his best season, when he hit.263 with 52 homers.
The Athletics posted on Twitter that they were “heartbroken” to hear about the loss of Jeremy Giambi, a member of their Green and Gold family. “We send our condolences Jeanne, Jason and his loved ones. “Giambi was in the postseason twice for the Athletics, and in 2001 was tagged home by Derek Jeter’s “flip” throw in the American League Division Series against New York Yankees.
He was born Sept. 30, 1974 in San Jose. After graduating from South Hills High, he played for the California State University Fullerton team that won 1995 College World Series.
After being selected in the sixth round, 1996 amateur draft, he signed for the Royals.
Giambi testified in front of a federal grand jury in San Francisco about the Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative (or BALCO), the company that was at the heart of the scandal with sports steroids. The Kansas City Star reported that Giambi admitted to using steroids in 2005.
Giambi said that he did it. “I apologize. I made a mistake. I learned from my mistake and moved on.”
BALCO founder Victor Conte was quoted in a 2007 report from George Mitchell, former Senate Majority Leader, on drugs in baseball. He said that he sold steroids called “the cream” or “the clear” to dozens of elite athletes like Jason and Jeremy Giambi.
