"Outfielder Danny Clyburn came across as the strong, silent type during his brief time with the Devil Rays in 1999. Early Tuesday morning, according to police, he was shot to death following an argument in his South Carolina hometown.

Clyburn, who was 37, made the opening day roster after being acquired late in spring training from Baltimore. He played in 28 games (20 starts), hitting .198 with three homers and five RBIs, before being sent to Triple A in June. He finished the 1999 season in Durham and was released the next spring.

"He had outstanding God-given talent, loved to play the game, worked hard every day and carried himself in a quiet, classy manner," former Devil Rays general manager Chuck LaMar said Tuesday. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.""