Ex-Cubs pitcher Geremi Gonzalez killed by lightning

CARACAS, Venezuela -- Former major-league pitcher Geremi Gonzalez, who won 11 games for the Cubs in 1997, was struck by lightning and killed in his native Venezuela. He was 33.

Emergency management official Herman Bracho said Gonzalez was struck at a beach Sunday.

Gonzalez pitched for five major-league teams from 1997 to 2006. The right-hander appeared in 131 games with 83 starts, compiling a 30-35 record.

Gonzalez also played for the Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers. He made a combined 24 appearances for the Mets and the Brewers in 2006, his final major-league season.

Gonzalez was on the mound for Tampa Bay in the first inning June 3, 2003, in an interleague game at Wrigley Field. It was his pitch that broke open the Sammy Sosa corked-bat incident.

The Toronto Blue Jays released him during spring training last year.

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said in a statement:

"The Chicago Cubs are very saddened today to learn of Geremi Gonzalez's sudden passing. 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."

Cubs manager Lou Piniella, who had Gonzalez on his pitching staff when he managed in Tampa Bay, offered his thoughts on the pitcher's passing.

"It's a tragic thing. He was a nice young man," Piniella said. "He was a competitive kid. He enjoyed putting on a uniform and competing and having fun.

"It's a shame, it really is. I liked him a lot."