MLB Pitcher Loek van Mil, Known as the World's Tallest Professional Baseball Player, Dies at 34
Dutch baseball player Loek Van Mil has died, months after he suffered critical injuries in a hiking accident in Canberra.
During
his career, the seven-foot-one (216cm) pitcher played for the
Netherlands, as well as American and Australian teams, including the
Minnesota Twins, the Brisbane Bandits and Adelaide Bite.
KNBSB,
the Netherlands' baseball and softball association, confirmed the death
on its website, saying the 34-year-old had died as a result of a fatal
accident but provided no further details.
"The
KNBSB is very grateful to Mil for what he has done in his career for
Dutch baseball and wishes the surviving relatives strength to cope with
this major loss," the statement reads.
The Bandits posted a tribute on their page last night.
"Vale
Loek Van Mil. The Brisbane Bandits are in mourning tonight after
learning of the death of current Bandits pitcher Loek Van Mil in a fatal
accident in Europe in the last 24 hours," it said.
"Our
love, prayers and condolences go out to all members of his immediate
family, his friends and the wider baseball community who knew Loek. Rest
In Peace mate."