Mexico Little League Coach Ricky Benavides Jr. Dies of Heart Attack Before Tournament Game
The Little League Baseball community in Mexico is grieving after the sudden death of Ricky Benavides Jr., who passed away from a heart attack just before his team was set to take the field. The tragedy, which occurred shortly before an anticipated tournament game, has shaken not only the players and their families but also the broader baseball community across North America.
Benavides, remembered as a dedicated mentor and a passionate advocate for youth sports, had been deeply involved in coaching and nurturing young athletes. His unexpected passing underscores both the emotional and personal connections that coaches often build with the children they guide—relationships that extend well beyond the baseball diamond.
Local reports note that the coach’s passing took place as the team was preparing for an important game, turning what was meant to be a moment of excitement and competition into a time of shock and mourning. Players, parents, and supporters gathered to comfort one another, many recalling Benavides’ positive influence on their children’s development both as athletes and as young people.
“Ricky wasn’t just a coach—he was a role model, a motivator, and a second father to many of these kids,” one community member shared in a statement. “He believed in the power of sports to shape character, and that’s how he’ll be remembered.”
Benavides’ death also highlights the demanding role that volunteer and semi-professional coaches often take on. In Mexico, as in many parts of the world, Little League baseball is more than just a sport—it is a cultural touchstone that fosters unity, pride, and hope. Coaches like Benavides are at the heart of these programs, often giving countless hours to ensure that children not only compete but also learn teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
The Mexican Little League organization has expressed its condolences and pledged ongoing support for both the team and Benavides’ family. Tributes have also begun pouring in from across the baseball world, including other Little League programs in the United States and beyond.
As the young players continue their season without their mentor, many say they plan to dedicate their games to Coach Ricky’s memory—a lasting tribute to a man who believed in them both on and off the field.
