Jason Conti, D-backs’ First Draft Class Star, Dies at 50

Jason Conti, D Backs’ First Draft Class Star, Dies At 50

Jason Conti, a fan-favorite from the Arizona Diamondbacks’ very first draft class, has died. He was 50. His family confirmed the news to RIP Baseball, revealing he passed away on May 17 from complications related to a traumatic brain injury.

If you followed baseball in the early 2000s, you probably remember him. Conti was a speedy outfielder, known for his glove and hustle—more grit than glamour, but always dependable.

He made his MLB debut with the D-backs in 2000, four years after they picked him in the 32nd round of their inaugural 1996 draft class. It was a historic moment, not just for him, but for a brand-new franchise trying to make a name for itself.

He bounced around the league after that—Tampa Bay, Milwaukee, Texas—appearing in 182 big league games. His career stats? A .238 average, six home runs, 47 RBIs. Not flashy, but solid. Classic “grinder” energy.

After baseball, Conti traded bats for chef’s knives. Literally. He became a culinary pro, working as an executive chef in Arizona. According to RIP Baseball, his creativity in the kitchen earned him just as much respect as his time on the field. His last gig was at The Craftsman Cocktails & Kitchen in Tempe—locals knew him well.

Conti was also big on giving back, mentoring young players and staying active in his community. “He had the biggest heart,” his family told RIP Baseball. “He brought the same passion to cooking and life as he did to baseball.”

The Arizona Diamondbacks plan to honor Conti with a moment of silence during their home game on June 29—exactly 25 years after his major league debut. He is survived by his wife, Cari, his mother Carolyn, and his siblings.

A true journeyman on the field and a star in the kitchen, Jason Conti made his mark in more ways than one. And he’ll be remembered not just for how he played the game—but how he lived after it.