Tributes flow for Costello

The Minnesota Twins have led a chorus of baseball clubs that knew Ryan Costello to pass on their condolences. The Auckland Tuatara third baseman was found dead on Monday morning, believed to have passed away in his sleep. Costello, 23, was with the Twins organisation and had come to New Zealand for the new Australian Baseball League season to help him make it to the Majors. The Major League Baseball team said the club was shocked by the news of Costello’s passing. ‘‘The Minnesota Twins are deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Ryan Costello yesterday in New Zealand,’’ the Twins said in a statement. ‘‘On behalf of the entire organisation, the Twins send their most sincere condolences to Ryan’s family, friends, coaches and team-mates.’’ This year, Costello split his time in the minor leagues playing for Fort Myers Miracle and Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Both of these clubs also announced tributes to Costello, not only for what he was as a player, but also the type of person he was. ‘‘We were very sad to learn the news about the passing of former Miracle infielder Ryan Costello this morning,’’ Fort Myers said. ‘‘His home run helped lift the Miracle to the FSL Championship in 2018. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the entire Twins organisation.’’ The Blue Wahoos echoed the Miracle’s comments. ‘‘With great sadness, we remember a ballplayer whose talent on the field was only exceeded by his kindness off of it.’’ Costello was originally drafted in the 31st round of the MLB draft by the Seattle Mariners in 2017, and was traded to Minnesota in July 2018. Mariners’ director of player development Andy Mckay said Costello touched everyone who met him.