Headline PH: Jose Lima, former major league pitcher, dies at 37

LOS ANGELES – Jose Lima lived over the top on and off the baseball field. The free-spirited pitcher could deliver a song as well as a fastball, leaving a trail of fun and laughter known as "Lima Time" wherever he went.

The All-Star right-hander who spent 13 years in the major leagues died Sunday, according to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was 37.

Lima, who pitched the Dodgers to their first playoff win in 16 years in 2004, was in full cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived at his Pasadena home early Sunday morning, police said in a statement. He was pronounced dead at Huntington Memorial Hospital.

The specific cause of death has not been determined, and Los Angeles County coroner's officials will perform an autopsy, the statement said. Pasadena police detectives also are investigating.

"Lima was an exceptional man," said Winston Llenas, president of Aguilas Cibaenas, a winter ball team that Lima had played for in the Dominican Republic. "This is a great loss for Dominican baseball and the country."

Lima posted his best season with the Houston Astros in 1999 when he was selected to the All-Star game. He went 21-10 with a 3.58 ERA in 35 starts for the NL Central champions.

By BETH HARRIS,
AP Sports Writer

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