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Cobalt_60 · 10-10-2004, 09:58 PM

Little bit more from http://www.chron.com Houston Chronicle's web page.

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory...pstory/2841230

Oct. 11, 2004, 12:43AM

Former Astro Ken Caminiti dead at 41 of apparent heart attack
By ROSANNA RUIZ
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle

Former Houston Astro and National League MVP Ken Caminiti, whose career came crashing down under the burden of drug and legal problems, died of a massive heart attack in New York late Sunday, his agent confirmed. ADVERTISEMENT

Rick Licht, Caminiti's agent and close friend for about a dozen years, said Caminiti died at New York's Lincoln Memorial Hospital in the Bronx. Licht, who last spoke to Caminiti earlier this week, declined to comment about the former All Star's sudden death.

"The whole situation is devastating certainly for myself and his family -- he has three children," he said. "I spoke to him so many times recently and he sounded fantastic. He was very clear and focused and looking forward to spending time with his little girls and getting back into baseball."

In recent years, Caminiti, 41, had been beset by legal and drug problems. He stood before state District Judge William Harmon on Tuesday and conceded he failed a drug test. Harmon revoked his probation related to a 2002 drug conviction, sentenced him to 180 days in jail and gave him credit for time served since his original arrest. He was released from custody late Tuesday.

Caminiti had failed four drug tests while on probation for cocaine possession.

His attorney, Terry Yates, said after Tuesday's court appearance that Caminiti expected to work on a land development project in Montana and other plans.

Caminiti, who broke into the major leagues with Houston in 1987 and was traded to San Diego in 1995, coached and counseled Padres minor-league players this season at spring training. He helped the team get to the World Series in 1998 as a player.

Caminiti played with Houston again in 1999 and 2000, and played in 2001 with the Texas Rangers and Atlanta Braves. He was known for playing with pain during his 15-year career.

In his 15-season career, he hit 239 home runs, batted .272, won three Gold Gloves and was voted the Most Valuable Player in the National League in 1996, when he posted a .326 average while belting 40 home runs for San Diego.

Last year, after getting out of a state jail substance-abuse treatment facility, he told a crowd at a health fair for National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Recovery Month that he had kicked his drug addiction. But he was arrested Sept. 10 and jailed after he failed a urine test. It was the fourth test he had failed while on probation. Caminiti had no previous criminal record.

10-10-2004, 09:58 PM	#6 (permalink)
Cobalt_60 Addict	Little bit more from http://www.chron.com Houston Chronicle's web page. http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory...pstory/2841230 Oct. 11, 2004, 12:43AM Former Astro Ken Caminiti dead at 41 of apparent heart attack By ROSANNA RUIZ Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle Former Houston Astro and National League MVP Ken Caminiti, whose career came crashing down under the burden of drug and legal problems, died of a massive heart attack in New York late Sunday, his agent confirmed. ADVERTISEMENT Rick Licht, Caminiti's agent and close friend for about a dozen years, said Caminiti died at New York's Lincoln Memorial Hospital in the Bronx. Licht, who last spoke to Caminiti earlier this week, declined to comment about the former All Star's sudden death. "The whole situation is devastating certainly for myself and his family -- he has three children," he said. "I spoke to him so many times recently and he sounded fantastic. He was very clear and focused and looking forward to spending time with his little girls and getting back into baseball." In recent years, Caminiti, 41, had been beset by legal and drug problems. He stood before state District Judge William Harmon on Tuesday and conceded he failed a drug test. Harmon revoked his probation related to a 2002 drug conviction, sentenced him to 180 days in jail and gave him credit for time served since his original arrest. He was released from custody late Tuesday. Caminiti had failed four drug tests while on probation for cocaine possession. His attorney, Terry Yates, said after Tuesday's court appearance that Caminiti expected to work on a land development project in Montana and other plans. Caminiti, who broke into the major leagues with Houston in 1987 and was traded to San Diego in 1995, coached and counseled Padres minor-league players this season at spring training. He helped the team get to the World Series in 1998 as a player. Caminiti played with Houston again in 1999 and 2000, and played in 2001 with the Texas Rangers and Atlanta Braves. He was known for playing with pain during his 15-year career. In his 15-season career, he hit 239 home runs, batted .272, won three Gold Gloves and was voted the Most Valuable Player in the National League in 1996, when he posted a .326 average while belting 40 home runs for San Diego. Last year, after getting out of a state jail substance-abuse treatment facility, he told a crowd at a health fair for National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Recovery Month that he had kicked his drug addiction. But he was arrested Sept. 10 and jailed after he failed a urine test. It was the fourth test he had failed while on probation. Caminiti had no previous criminal record.