Last nights starting pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in a hit and run accident in Fullerton, California earlier this morning. The driver of the mini van that hit Adenhart, spun his Mitsubishi into a light pole and killed him. The driver then fled the scene, but was later caught and charged with a felony.
What a sad and tragic story for a young 22 year old kid just starting out his career. Our thoughts are with his family and Angels fans.
Here is a better link to read the story from the L.A. Times.
ESPN article if you want to read more.
12:09PM Update: As if you needed a reason to be more upset or angry, take a look at this.
Sooz's take: I absolutely rage when I hear stories such as this one. They are completely and totally unnecessary. My anger probably couldn't even be captured in these words if I tried.
I never met Adenhart. I don't know his family, but when some thing like this happens it reminds of you devastating events and just how senseless they are. When I was about 8, I was involved in an accident with a drunken driver.
My mom, brother, sister and I were headed home from our grandparents in a taxi cab. A drunk driver hit us after going down the wrong way of a one-way street in the Bronx. Our car spun around twice and then smashed into a laundry-mat that had its gate down. The worst of it was my mom and sister who injured their backs, but neither suffered long-time effects.
Obviously, it could have been much worse, but it didn't need to happen.
During the offseason, Joba Chamberlain was arrested for driving under the influence. Some people have said to give the guy a break. He was just young and made a mistake ... blah blah blah.
No.
There is never a reason for it. If you're under the influence, call someone. If there is no one to call, get a cab. They are always willing to take your money to get you home.
I'm still raging.
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From the Angels: Angels Baseball this morning announced the passing of right-hander Nick Adenhart, the victim of a fatal automobile accident in Fullerton, CA. Two other individuals were also killed in the incident.
Adenhart, 22, was a passenger in a silver Mitsubishi along with three others. Fullerton Police reported the Mitsubishi proceeded through an intersection, when a van ran a red light and broadsided the vehicle. A female driver and male passenger in the Mitsubishi were dead when police and fire department personnel arrived. Adenhart died as the result of his injuries at UCI Medical Center earlier this morning. No other members of the Angels organization were involved.
Adenhart pitched a masterful six innings in last night's game against Oakland (6 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 SO), leaving with a 4-0 lead before a late-inning rally resulted in a 6-4 Angels defeat.
Originally drafted by the Angels in the 14th round of the June, 2004 draft, Adenhart was in his fifth professional season and made the Angels Opening Day roster for the first time. He opened the 2009 campaign with a 37-28 career minor league record and a 3.87 ERA (506.2 IP - 218 ER). Adenhart made his Major League debut last May 1 against Oakland. At the time, he was the youngest active-roster pitcher in the majors.
Adenhart earned his spot in the Angels rotation via a spring training in which he recorded a 3-0 record and a 3.12 ERA (26 IP - 9 ER) over the course of six starts. During that span, he struck out 18 while allowing only five base on balls.
His parents, father Jim and mother Janet: "Nick's family expresses sincere gratitude for all the help the Angels have provided. He lived his dream and was blessed to be part of an organization comprised of such warm, caring, and compassionate people. The Angels were his extended family. Thanks to all of Nick's loyal supporters and fans throughout his career. He will always be in everyone's hearts forever."
Angels General Manager Tony Reagins: "The Angels family has suffered a tremendous loss today. We are deeply saddened and shocked by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick's family, friends' loved ones and fans."
Memorial services are pending.
That's so sad. Too many young lives get cut short in car accidents every year.
ReplyDeleteThis is just unbelievably tragic. I looked at his pitching line from last night and he pitched phenomenally. Only 22 and had his whole life ahead of him cut down by an idiot that was under the influence. So tragic, I feel so bad for his parents who have to go through this. It just breaks your heart.
ReplyDeleteI watched that game last night and he did pitch very well. I was watching it for Abreu because he is on my fantasy team, but as I was watching it I was wondering should I have sold his autograph months ago.
ReplyDeleteIt is very tragic, and this should tell young kids and MLB players that they are not immortal and these things can kill you (drinking and driving).
Alcohol abuse remains a huge problem in this country. How long have we been talking about drinking and driving? Three teenagers near me died when hit by a drunk driver way back in 1987. I STILL think about how tragic that was. Why don't others? Obviously, they don't or they wouldn't get in the bleeping car.
ReplyDeleteHorrible happenings like this are why Chamberlain deserved all the criticism he received. And so does anyone else who drinks and drives.
This is unbelievably sad. Again.
There are many tragedies in this country that require action on the part of everyone to solve. Many think that they are too big too solve. Thanks for writing about it. If your words can affect at least one person, then it is worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU ladies for the wonderfull job.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big Angels fan and flew from TX. to So.Cal for the season opener.This is a big loss to his family and the Angels.
I have picked him up on my fantasy team (as a starter) and he will stay there until yahoo pulls him from the league.
**R.I.P Nick and may the God of your choice bless him.
this is one reason why i have no respect for tony larussa and many others who seem to be forgiven by the fans and society for their dui incidents.
ReplyDeletei was hit by a drunk driver in la back in 93 - his corolla totaled my explorer. the guy didn't have a license, let alone insurance. no one died, thank goodness.