Jean Segura Returns Home After Death of 9-Month-Old Son

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Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Jean Segura flies home to Dominican Republic after death of 9-month-old son.

At the moment, playing baseball is only the second priority for the Milwaukee Brewers. The first is shortstop Jean Segura.

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The 24-year-old Dominican immediately returned home after the sudden death of his infant son and was instantly placed on bereavement leave.

We extend our deepest condolences to Jean Segura and his family on the loss of his young son.— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) July 12, 2014

Andrew Gruman of FOX Sports Wisconsin reports it wasn't until after the Friday night 7-6 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals that Segura discovered the news. "Segura heads home after death of 9-month-old son" gives the team perspective of what happened last night while the Dominican grieves at home.

And according to Brewers manager Ron Roenicke, word traveled through a strange form of telephone.

"We got word at the end of the game through his mom to one of the wives, and then the wife to her husband, and then to Seggy." Roenicke admits the way he found out had to be difficult since "he didn't learn about it until after the game was over and one of the players came over and told him."

Baseball Tonight: Brewers' Segura on leave after son's death http://t.co/L3zFk5Cfvl pic.twitter.com/7NxcUOK4Vy— sportsRSS (@sportingRSS) July 12, 2014

It was during Friday's post-game media circuit that Roenicke told the press about a death in the family, then locked the doors out of respect for the player. He did not answer any questions at the time.

While little information has been released, the manager said on Saturday the infant was sick but Segura was on phone pre-game and "thought he was OK and getting better." However, there isn't anymore that the man can provide since "I don't know if it's been (going on) a while." He guessed a couple days but couldn't really confirm anything solid.

Awful news. Jean Segura's 9-month old son has died. He is going home to the Dominican Republic. Deepest condolences to Segura & his family.— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 12, 2014

Center fielder Carlos Gomez described seeing the young player crying in the clubhouse, witnessing the sudden grief and pain. Even though Segura's mother and uncle were town, the team felt the need to connect, too. "Everyone just wanted to get around him and have him feel the support so he was not by himself." As a group, the team rallied around and helped the father while in their care.

Roenicke isn't sure if the shortstop will come back. "Some guys might feel like, 'Hey, I need to get back and I need to play,' and some other guys just can't do it." It's a very personal decision the team or management is willing to push, especially the day after receiving such terrible news.

All of Milwaukee sending love and support to Jean Segura. @Brewers http://t.co/fyKe8BdbtB— City of Milwaukee (@CityofMilwaukee) July 12, 2014

The death of a child shakes a parent to the core and designated speaker for the team Gomez said as much. "If it were my kids, I'm going to stay home. I'm not coming back. I don't know how he is going to react coming back."

Gomez offered some moral support. "When he comes back, I want to be his brother because I can't imagine what is going to be on your mind when you lose a child." And Roenicke's "worry about him" comes from a deep place of love and caring. Everyone wants to help.

Our thoughts are with former Star and current Brewer short stop Jean Segura and his family.— Huntsville Stars (@HuntsvilleStars) July 12, 2014

But Gomez also added if the player returns, "We're going to take care of him to relax and enjoy life again."

Not that it'll be a short road ahead.

Even though the team had to play on Saturday against the Cardinals, the Brewer's focus remained on their teammate.

And the organization will continue to focus while hoping for the best. Gomez suggested one way the team can help. "We have to pray for him and tell God to help his family and him to be strong and move on."