Dutch-born Greg Halman, an outfielder for the Seattle Mariners in 2010 and 2011, was stabbed to death Monday in Rotterndam. His younger brother was arrested in connection with the crime.
“A 24-year-old died this morning in a stabbing and we have arrested the 22-year-old brother of the victim,” a police spokesman told Rueters.
Halman played baseball in a number of countries including France, Germany, Spain, Poland, and Italy before ultimately signing with the Mariners when he was just 16 years old. After six years in the minors, he was called up to the majors last year.
He played in 35 games for the Mariners last season, scoring seven runs and holding a batting average of .230 before being sent back down.
Known for his infectious smile and passion for the game, Halman had a tattoo of a baseball that looked like a globe with the words “My World” next to it. He also wanted to share his love of the game by encouraging European youth to play.
“Greg was passionate about the game of baseball and generously gave of himself to share his passion with others in an attempt to help grow the sport’s popularity across Europe. He will be sorely missed,” said Michael Weiner, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association.