Nick Adenhart: 1986-2009
In the early hours of Thursday morning, a car accident in Southern California took the life of 22-year old Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart and two other passengers riding in the same vehicle.
Baseball fans know Adenhart because he has for several years been recognized as one of the better pitching prospects in the minor leagues. He had initially struggled to establish himself in the Los Angeles rotation, but seemed to have made a breakthrough this year. After a strong spring, Adenhart was named the club's No. 3 starter to open the season.
Pitching last night in his 2009 debut, Adenhart threw six scoreless innings. He struck out five Oakland batters and left the contest with a lead. As testimony to his talent on the baseball field, Adenhart's final performance was worthy.
In deference to Adenhart's teammates, Major League Baseball has appropriately postponed the final game of the Angels-Athletics series originally scheduled for tonight.
The death of any young person is tragic. We are especially touched when the one lost is full of talent, with a promising future and an easy smile. Adenhart possessed all of those qualities.
The names of the others killed in accident are not known to the public, but want of fame does not diminish the pain felt at their passing. Even if we do not know them, we know that they have friends and family who love them and will mourn for them.
We feel deep empathy for those closest to Adenhart and his companions. Most of all, we feel for the parents of those who died. We know that the loss of a child is as devastating an event as any mother or father can imagine. To experience that loss is to know a hole in the heart that can never be filled. Our sorrow for you is profound.
DIAMONDBACKS NATION
4 responses to this Post, with 4 unique participants
Well Said
This indeed a very sad day for Baseball in general, and I'm sure fans around the country share the same feelings. My thoughts go out to all those involved.
RIP
This is very terrible. My heart goes out to his family and everyone in baseball. Also, RIP Henry Pearson. He was also killed in the crash and a graduate from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at ASU. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been affected by this awful tragedy.
Henry Pearson
Diamondbacks Nation offers its sincere condolences to his family and friends.
In My Thoughts
What a senseless act. My thoughts are with Adenhart's family and friends.