Jason Conti, a former Major League Baseball outfielder whose professional career spanned more than a decade, has passed away at the age of 50 following a severe brain injury. His former University of Pittsburgh teammate, Kevin Kramer, shared news of his passing on Instagram Friday.
Conti’s journey through professional baseball began in 1996 when he was drafted by the newly established Arizona Diamondbacks out of the University of Pittsburgh. One of the first 25 players signed by the franchise, he launched an 11-year pro career that would see him climb the ranks of the minor leagues before making his MLB debut in 2000.
Over five major league seasons (2000–2004), Conti suited up for the Diamondbacks, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, and Texas Rangers. A reliable outfielder, he appeared in 182 MLB games, batting .238 with six home runs and 47 RBIs.
Conti’s most notable big-league stint came in 2002 with the Devil Rays, when he posted a .257 average across 78 games while demonstrating his versatility across all three outfield positions. He had earlier earned a World Series ring with the 2001 Diamondbacks, despite being traded midseason. Though his on-field time that year was limited to five games, he remained part of the championship roster and received recognition for his role.
His major league path wasn’t without obstacles. Early in his career, Conti battled for playing time behind stars like Steve Finley, Reggie Sanders, and Luis Gonzalez during Arizona’s championship season. Still, he carved out opportunities with each team he joined, including a brief tenure in Milwaukee in 2003 and his final MLB appearances with Texas in 2004.
Conti continued playing professionally through 2006, spending time in the minor league systems of the Rangers, Cardinals, and Yankees, as well as in independent ball with the Camden Riversharks.
Following his retirement from the game, Conti settled in the Phoenix area, where he dedicated himself to coaching and mentoring aspiring athletes.
He is survived by his wife, Cari Rockwell Conti.
