Ventura, McEwing mourn slain ex-teammate Darryl Hamilton

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MINNEAPOLIS — Joe McEwing and Robin Ventura mourned the loss of former teammate Darryl Hamilton on Monday.

The White Sox coaches both played alongside the ex-leadoff man and centerfielder, who reportedly was killed in a murder-suicide in his home near Houston, with the New York Mets. Ventura spent two and a half seasons with Hamilton with the Mets, and McEwing played with him for two years. McEwing heard about the death of Hamilton, 50, early Monday and informed Ventura.

“I’m still sick to my stomach about it,” Ventura said. “He’s a great person, loved playing with him. I’m sad. You can’t really put into words how you feel because he’s such a great guy. It’s tough. Great, a true pro, you always wanted to be around him.”

It wasn’t just that Hamilton, who recently worked as an analyst for MLB Network, was a good player, McEwing said. He was one of the most popular players in the clubhouse for his attitude.

“Enjoyed the game, enjoyed life every single day,” McEwing said. “He had an infectious personality, always smiling. I can hear his life now. It’s just sad it was taken away at such an early age. He had so much to give to everybody, not just in the game, but life.

“Great teammate, good friend and somebody I learned a lot from.”

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