Tigers Minor League Catcher Chace Numata Passes Away After Tragic Skateboarding Accident
By Parker White
It was reported on Friday that Detroit Tigers minor league catcher Chace Numata was involved in a skateboarding accident and was found unresponsive with a head injury. He was rushed to an Erie, Penn. hospital where he underwent treatment.
Sadly, the Tigers announced the 27-year-old backstop passed away Monday due to the injuries he suffered.
Detroit Tigers statement regarding the passing of Chace Numata: pic.twitter.com/H6TCAQO1S8
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) September 2, 2019
This was Numata's first season in the Tigers organization, and in 77 games this season between Double-A and Triple-A he slashed .244/.296/.354 with 18 extra-base hits (four home runs) and 28 RBI. At the time of the accident he had been playing for the Erie SeaWolves.
Numata was drafted in the 14th round by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2010, and after spending time in the New York Yankees system he signed a minor league deal with the Tigers this offseason.
Detroit Tigers minor leaguer Chace Numata dies from injuries in skateboarding accident https://t.co/CeOxDhnv37
— Detroit Free Press (@freep) September 2, 2019
Reportedly, Numata was riding his skateboard home in downtown Erie around 2:00 a.m. on Aug. 30. Surveillance video shows that the minor league catcher was skating alone and he fell off his board and was knocked out after hitting his head.
It's a terrible tragedy and our thoughts go out to his friends and family.