Ken Caminiti, 41, Ex-Major League Star
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
Ken Caminiti, the 1996 National League MVP who later admitted using steroids during his major league career, died Sunday of a suspected heart attack while visiting the Bronx. He was 41.The city medical examiner’s office planned an autopsy for yesterday.
The three-time All-Star third baseman often was in trouble the last few years. His 15-year big league career ended in 2001, five seasons after he led the Padres to a division title and was a unanimous pick for MVP.
Last Tuesday, he admitted that he violated his probation by testing positive for cocaine last month and was sentenced to 180 days in jail. In 2001,he was sentenced to three years probation for a cocaine arrest. In May 2002, Caminiti told Sports Illustrated he used steroids during his MVP season, when he hit a career-high .326 with 40 home runs and 130 RBIs. He estimated half the players in the big leagues were also using them.
According to his agent, Caminiti was in town “to help a friend.” He declined to be more specific. Caminiti batted .272 with 239 homers and 983 RBIs with Houston, San Diego, Texas, and Atlanta.
