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Reports: Former Astros, Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo dies at 45 from heart attack

Lugo played for seven teams during his career. Along with Houston and Boston, he spent time with the Rays, Dodgers, Cardinals, Orioles and Braves.
Credit: AP
Former Boston Red Sox's Julio Lugo reacts after hitting a home run during a Red Sox alumni baseball game, Sunday, May 27, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Former Houston Astros shortstop Julio Lugo has died from an apparent heart attack at the age of 45, according to MLB and ESPN's Enrique Rojas.

The Dominican Republic native was drafted by the Astros in 1994 from Connors State College in Oklahoma, according to KHOU 11 Sports anchor Jason Bristol. 

He made it to the majors in 2000 and stayed with the Astros through the 2003 season.

Lugo won a World Series ring with the Boston Red Sox in 2007, but is probably  best known for his "Mother's Day Miracle" hit in 2006. The Red Sox were down 5-0 in the ninth, but the bullpen blew it and quickly allowed three runs. Lugo knocked in the go-ahead run after a bad throw to first allowed two runners to score.

He also endeared himself to Red Sox fans when he used the hidden ball trick to Alberto Callaspo by tagging him a second when he stood up and stepped off the case. 

Along with Boston and Houston, Lugo spent time with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2003-2006), Los Angeles Dodgers (2006), St. Louis Cardinals (2009), Baltimore Orioles (2010) and Atlanta Braves (2011).

He finished his professional career with a .269 batting average, 1,279 hits, 238 doubles, 34 triples, 80 home runs, 475 RBIs, 688 runs and 198 stolen bases, according to baseball-reference.com.

Lugo would have turned 46 on Tuesday.

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