Toronto Blue Jays Mourn Death of First Base Coach’s Teen Daughter

The Toronto Blue Jays lost a beloved family member over the weekend.

On July 3, the baseball organization confirmed that Julia Budzinski, the eldest daughter of the Toronto Blue Jays’ first base coach Mark Budzinski, passed away at the age of 17. “The Budzinskis have been part of our Blue Jays family over the last four seasons. This devastating loss is felt by our entire organization and we grieve alongside Bud and his family,” Ross Atkins, the general manager of the Blue Jays, said in a statement. “I have known Bud for more than 25 years and have always admired his commitment as a dad and husband first. He is loved and well-respected by our entire clubhouse and holds a special place in all our hearts.”

As Mark and his family, including his wife Monica and kids Josh and Lily, continue to mourn Julia’s tragic death, he’ll be stepping away from the organization.