TORONTO -- Former Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Damaso Garcia, a two-time all-star and a big part of the club's rise to prominence in the 1980s, has died at the age of 63.
Garcia, who had a malignant brain tumour removed 13 years ago, died Thursday in his native Dominican Republic, according to ESPN.
"We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Blue Jays infielder, Damaso Garcia," the Blue Jays said in a statement on their official Twitter account. "Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time."
Garcia's death comes two months after another Dominican Blue Jays legend, shortstop Tony Fernandez, died at 57 after several years of battling kidney problems.
"We loved Damo and his family. We are so glad that we had a chance to go by and visit with him when we left Tony's Funeral just recently," former Blue Jays outfielder Jesse Barfield, who played six seasons in Toronto with Garcia, posted on Twitter. "He recognized us although he wasn't able to speak, his eyes did the talking for him.
"RIP my friend, we love you."
