Kimera Bartee
A speedster whose MLB journey as a player evolved into a respected coaching career, mentoring young talent until his sudden passing.
1972–2021 (age 49)·American baseball player and coach·Birthday: July 21·Generation X
Biography
Kimera Bartee's path in baseball was defined by blistering speed and a second act that proved more enduring than his playing days. Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1993, the Omaha native made his big-league debut with the Detroit Tigers in 1996, his quickness making him a valuable pinch-runner and defensive replacement across six seasons. After his playing career ended, Bartee built a reputation as a diligent instructor in the minor leagues, earning the trust of organizations like the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he became the major league first base coach in 2017. His calm demeanor and focus on fundamentals made him a sought-after teacher, leading to roles with the Philadelphia Phillies and a poignant return to the Tigers in 2021. His life was cut short that December, leaving a legacy not of stardom but of steady, impactful mentorship throughout the sport.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Kimera was born in 1972, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kimera Was Born
The biggest hits of 1972
#1 Movie
The Godfather
Best Picture
The Godfather
#1 TV Show
All in the Family
Kimera's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1972Born
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1977Started school
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1985Became a teenager
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1988Could drive
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1990Could vote
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1993Turned 21
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2002Turned 30
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2012Turned 40
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Died at 49
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
Key Achievements
- Played Major League Baseball for three teams over six seasons as an outfielder.
- Served as the first base coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2017 through 2019.
- Returned to the Detroit Tigers organization as their first base coach for the 2021 season.
Did You Know?
He was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and played college baseball at Creighton University.
His father, Joe Bartee, was a running back for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and in the NFL.
He stole 30 bases in a single season while playing in the Baltimore Orioles' minor league system.
“Speed is a weapon, but you have to know when and how to use it.”
