Over the weekend, it was reported that Toronto Blue Jays first-base coach Mark Budzinski would be stepping away from the team to grieve the loss of his 17-year-old daughter Julia.
On Monday, it was reported that his eldest daughter died in a boating accident in Virginia, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported, citing the family.
“It’s with a heavy heart to announce that the GAHS family is dealing with the (loss) of life of a student — Julia Budzinski,” Glen Allen principal Reginald Davenport tweeted.
Julia, who was a multi-sport athlete for Glen Allen High School, played for their varsity soccer and varsity volleyball programs. She was also a junior varsity basketball player and a member of the Richmond Kickers’ travel soccer program. The 17-year-old was also the vice president of the Glen Allen National Honor Society, as well as a volunteer for people with disabilities.
The Blue Jays held a moment of silence for Budzinski’s daughter at the Rogers Centre.
“The Budzinskis have been part of our Blue Jays family over the last four seasons,” general manager Ross Atkins said in a statement. “This devastating loss is felt by our entire organization and we grieve alongside Bud and his family. 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.”
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Mark Budzinski has been in baseball for several seasons. He played four games for the Cincinnati Reds and retired as a player in 2005. He managed in the Cleveland Indians’ minor league system for a few years and joined the organization’s big league staff in 2017.
