Remembering Jose Lima

It’s so painfully ironic that Jose Lima died early this morning of a  massive heart attack.  After all, Jose Lima was all heart.

Dodgers owner Frank McCourt issued the following statement:

“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic loss of Jose Lima. Though he was taken from us way too soon, he truly lived his life to the fullest and his personality was simply unforgettable. He had the ability to light up a room and that’s exactly what he did every time I saw him. His memorable contributions to the Dodgers in 2004 and throughout baseball will always be remembered. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to his family during this extremely difficult time.”

Who will soon forget the charismatic Lima, and the resulting “Lima Time” that errupted in LA during the 2004 season.  Lima was only with the Dodgers for one season, but what a season it was, going 13-5 with a 4.07 ERA.  But it was the playoffs where “Lima Time” truly being a Southern California phenomenon, as the pitcher delivered the first playoff win for the Dodgers since 1988 with a shutout over the St. Louis Cardinals.  It was arguably his greatest professional accomplishment.

Lima is also well known for his notorious fist pump, his passionate rendition of the national anthem at Chavez Ravine on 2004 and performing with his band at the Dodgers’ annual Viva Los Dodgers celebration.  Remembering Jose Lima is just not possible without great video, and I’m looking forward to seeing what visual tribute the Dodgers put together.

TJ Simers of the Los Angeles Times caught up with Lima in 2008 in Camden, New Jersey while he was playing for the Camden Riversharks, and reflected on how the Dodgers should honor “Lima Time” – with a statue.

Perhaps the following video from the Long Beach Armada best sums up Jose Lim’s love for life.  Here Lima and his Armada teammates apparently wait for a flight at LAX and break into a quick performance of “Sweet Home Alabama.”  Lima could be bitter about how his career ended, but instead, we see the energy and enthusiasm Jose Lima had for life.

]Jose Lima was one of the true characters in major league baseball, and by passion and what sometimes seemed like sheer will, he was able to help lead the Dodgers to that one memorable playoff win that Dodger fans craved.  His fearlessness and passion for life and for everything he did was remarkable.  Rest in peace, Jose Lima.  It will always be “Lima Time” in Los Angeles.

Photo Credit: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers