Seattle Mariners outfielder Greg Halman was killed early Monday in the Netherlands, and according to Dutch police his brother was arrested as a suspect.
Police found the 24-year-old bleeding from a stab wound after they answered a call to Rotterdam home. They were unable to resuscitate him.
His younger brother Jason, 22, has been arrested as a suspect in the murder. Radio Netherlands Worldwide is reported that the stabbing was a result of an argument between the two over loud music. Halman’s girlfriend was reportedly also present and is said to be the one who called the police. No charges have been filed yet.
Mariners Chairman Howard Lincoln, President Chuck Armstrong and general manager Jack Zduriencik released a statement on Halman’s death.
“Greg was a part of our organization since he was 16 and we saw him grow into a passionate young man and talented baseball player,” it said. He had an infectious smile that would greet you in the clubhouse, and he was a tremendous teammate. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Greg’s family.”
“Greg was passionate about the game of baseball and generously gave of himself to share his passion with others in an attempt to help grow the sport’s popularity across Europe,” Michael Weiner, the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association said. “He will be sorely missed.”
Halman was just 17 when he moved from the Netherlands to the U.S. to play for the Mariners.
Earlier in the month he had taken part in the European Big League Tour, where major league baseball players gave clinics to children.