Lima pitching for Dodgers in 2004 playoff win over Cardinals
Jose Lima, 37, who pitched for several Major League teams including the Dodgers, died Sunday at his home of an apparent heart attack.
“He was complaining while sleeping but I thought he was having a nightmare,” Lima’s wife Dorca Astacio told ESPN Deportes. “I called the paramedics but they couldn’t help him.”
Lima, who liked to refer to his time on the mound as “Lima Time”, was 89-102 during 13 seasons in the Major Leagues. He had stints with Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, the Dodgers, and the New York Mets.
He won 21 games for Houston in 1999 and was selected to the All-Star Team. He will always be remembered by Dodger fans for his performance against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game three of the 2004 National League Division Series. Lima shut out the Cards on five hits in a 4-0 victory. It was the Dodgers first playoff win since game five of the 1988 World Series.
Lima recently pitched for the Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Republic and had planned to again in the upcoming season.
“I’m in shock right now,” said Mid Valley Staffer Jim Saxon who also works concessions at Dodger Stadium. “I just saw him Tuesday night and he gave me a hug. I had the chance to meet him several times when he came by. He was a great guy- always upbeat, always positive.”
According to Dodger owner Frank McCourt, Lima had rejoined the Dodgers organization within the last month as a member of their alumni association and he had plans to open youth baseball academy this summer in Los Angeles.
Lima attended the Dodger game Friday night, was introduced and saluted by the crowd.
Lima time will always be remembered as a great time by Dodger fans. Lima Time will be sorely missed in Los Angeles.
Leave a Reply