Bud Selig, Seattle Mariners Release Statements On The Death Of Greg Halman

MLB commissioner Bud Selig released a statement today on the death of Seattle Mariners outfielder Greg Halman, according to NBC Sports:

“Today Major League Baseball mourns the passing of Greg Halman, a member of the Seattle Mariners organization since 2004,"  Selig said. " Greg reached the Major Leagues in each of the last two seasons, hitting his first career home run on June 15th of this year.  Greg proudly represented the Netherlands in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, and he was a participant in MLB International’s grassroots clinics in Europe, as recently as earlier this month.

“The loss of a talented 24-year-old young man like Greg, amid such tragic circumstances, is painful for all of us throughout the game.  On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my deepest condolences to the entire Mariners organization and to all those whose lives were touched by Greg.”

The Seattle Mariners released their own statement on their website:

“The Mariners family is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Greg Halman. Greg was a part of our organization since he was 16 and we saw him grow into a passionate young man and talented baseball player. He had an infectious smile that would greet you in the clubhouse, and he was a tremendous teammate. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Greg’s family.”

Halman was a star player for the Netherlands international team and was on the cusp of becoming a full-time Major League player for the Mariners. In 2011 he played 35 games for Seattle, posting a .230/.256/.345 hitting line with two home runs. The previous year he had hit 33 home runs and 82 RBI for the club’s Triple-A affiliate.