Tonight's game has been cancelled.
I hate to rain on the parade, but TMZ is reporting:
TMZ has learned Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in a felony hit-and-run car accident in Fullerton, California early this morning -- hours after he pitched in a game last night.
Cops say someone driving a minivan blew through a red light, causing the Mitsubishi that Adenhart was riding in to hit a light pole. Three people were killed in the crash, including Nick.
Cops say the person driving the van fled the scene -- but was later caught and charged with felony hit-and-run. The suspect is currently being treated for injuries in a local hospital.
We're told one of the other men killed in the crash was also affiliated with the Angels organization.
This is absolutely devastating. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Angels' organization and to Nick's family. I am shocked, saddened, and just heartsick at the loss of this young pitcher.
And let's not forget the other two people who were also killed in the crash; reports say that out of the four in the car, three have died.
Update: The Angels' have just released this statement (TMZ):
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.
The game tonight will probably be cancelled. (Update: It is.)
Update from the press conference:
The woman who died in the car with Nick was named Courtney Stewart. The name of the other person killed has not yet been released.
The driver of the van that ran the red light, 22-year-old Andrew Thomas Gallo of Riverside, appears to have been drunk and driving on a suspended license (for previous DUI charges). He fled the scene, but his passenger remained behind. Gallo was apprehended and is currently in police custody.
Boras broke down in tears talking about Nick.
Update from TMZ (12:30) on the fourth person in the crash:
We're told Jon Wilhite, a former baseball star at Cal State Fullerton, is moving his legs, but is currently receiving treatment in the medical center's Intensive Care Unit.
TMZ just spoke with the Director of Athletics for Cal. State Fullerton -- where Jon and the driver of the Mitsubishi, Courtney Stewart , went to school -- who just released this statement:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Courtney Stewart and Jon Wilhite. The world of athletics is not equipped for these kinds of tragic events. We understand Jon is conscious and his injuries are not immediately life-threatening."
0 recs | 378 comments
I have links in the one I posted.
His family confirmed it and so did the OC Register.
Jennifer - April 9, 2009
Thank you.
I didn’t see yours when I wrote this; otherwise, would have just pulled it over.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
I just made a fanpost about it
if true it is a terrible, terrible tragedy for Adenhart’s family and the entire Angels’ organization.
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
I'll delete my fanpost.
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
This is truely terrible news. Damn.
drink409 - April 9, 2009
horrible news
DCinWC - April 9, 2009
I'm stunned, absolutely stunned
gigglingone - April 9, 2009
Yeah
Maybe just this once, there is crying in baseball. :(
Condolences to Adenhart’s family and the entire Angels organization.
kirbyk - April 9, 2009
Seriously
for a second a had a little laugh thinking it was a joke about the game but now I’m speechless
T-Money - April 9, 2009
Once again, life puts baseball in perspective.
JJ Martin - April 9, 2009
Yeah, really. I was hatin this kid last night for shutting us down but who cares about that when something tragic as this happens. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the Angels. What a heartbreaker.
ATLDuck - April 9, 2009
Wow.
oblique - April 9, 2009
Absolutely terrible news.
oblique - April 9, 2009
MSNBC just reported it
Damn. Incredibly horrible news.
coffee roaster - April 9, 2009
Unbelievable.
This truly stinks.
alox - April 9, 2009
I just heard this on KNBR
I am so sorry to Nick’s family and to all Angels fans.
This is so horrible.
OptimistPrime - April 9, 2009
they are reporting this on MSNBC now, so i think it is official. how horrible!
kid had talent. what a waste of talent and life……..
greendatitiz - April 9, 2009
.
:(
Poppy - April 9, 2009
Wow, this is devestating.
Makes you realize how small baseball is in comparison to real life. My thoughts and prayers are with Nick’s family, friends, teammates and fans. Rest in peace. You will be missed.
CyZito - April 9, 2009
I agree
I love baseball and the As but it is just a part of life. A small part.
My thoughts go out to Nick’s family also.
I am going to hug my wife and kids.
Athletics fan and runner - April 9, 2009
Oh my God
This is awful. Just shockingly awful.
There are no words.
Flashfire - April 9, 2009
Horrible
reminds us there are million things more important then baseball. The guy had a great final game and had a bright future in baseball and life. My hear goes out his his family and the Angels…
ryanmoser - April 9, 2009
Thoughts and Prayers to the Adenhart & Angel Family.
Colorado Fan - April 9, 2009
wow
what terrible, shocking news! That’s way too young to go.
JJ - April 9, 2009
CNN link
Doesn’t yet say who, but does say “high profile person”
gigglingone - April 9, 2009
and now LA Times is confirming it was Adenhart
gigglingone - April 9, 2009
Absolutely horrible
I mean, we were just watching him last night, and now he’s gone. Just terrible news. Thoughts and Prayers to his family.
sprtsnwyn - April 9, 2009
I cant even believe it...
winchester5 - April 9, 2009
This is such a shock
I hope the best for his friends and family.
idunno723 - April 9, 2009
All of MLB....
should cancel games today IMO.
Horrible news to hear, thoughts and prayers to his family during this time.
TexasAsfan - April 9, 2009
As of right now....
….the top story on MLB.com reads: “It’s a beautiful day: Matinees galore”
rageon - April 9, 2009
And I just read that as "Manatees galore"
gigglingone - April 9, 2009
Only here.
Wow.
That’s heavy. The kid had his whole life ahead of him. Very sad.
Leopold Bloom - April 9, 2009
No way. The game should go on.
I’m sure Nick Adenhart loved baseball. And as any baseball lover will tell you, the game must go on. Baseball is our one hope of transcending mortality. The game should always be bigger than any of us.
mvk - April 9, 2009
I doubt they'll cancel it
Tonight was going to be a special night anyway, to commemorate naming several former Angels players to the team hall of fame.
I imagine they will dedicate this game to Nick and the other Angels employee who died.
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
I wonder. They canceled the game after Darryl Kile's death, IIRC
On the other hand, when do you need baseball more than when you need an escape? Tough call – IMO it should just be 100% the call of the Angels’ players, coaches, etc.
Nico - April 9, 2009
Slusser is reporting that a cancellation is nearly certain
WaddellCanseco - April 9, 2009
If so, does Brett Anderson pitch the home opener I presume?
Talk about something to put his debut in perspective. I doubt he’ll be as nervous.
Nico - April 9, 2009
yes, they announced Anderson will pitch Friday
gigglingone - April 9, 2009
you're right
here’s Slusser’s report
It’s totally the Angels call, and I support them if they cancel the game.
I guess I was thinking about when 9/11 happened. I had tickets to the A’s game that night. As you all know all games were postponed for a week. I remember I was going to that game, and wondering how the heck I could get into the game…but when I was actually at the game I realized that it made me feel alot better.
But I agree, this just happened early this morning….I can’t imagine the Angels or the A’s managing to play tonight.
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
I think they should most certainly cancel the game out of respect to the family and the Angels organization
I’m in total disbelief. Glad I saved the game from last night.
I’m gonna go back and watch it again. Sad….RIP Nick.
mrod - April 9, 2009
I will never forget where I was when I heard Joe Girardi
make that announcement. I recorded that game, and when I’m feeling extra sad, I’ll watch it.
Jennifer - April 9, 2009
I was at McDonald's at the drive in...heard it on the radio.
SO sad…just devastated then too.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
Touching scene at Coors Field
Bullpen has a Darryl Kile memorial. Hopefully, the Angels will do something similarly for Adenhart.
doctorK - April 9, 2009
Absolutely unreal
So sad and tragic, I was at the game last night with an Angel’s fan friend who was talking about how excited the organization was for this kid. This kind of thing obviously puts the game in perspective. So very sad.
Call It The Throw - April 9, 2009
It's the sort of death
that, once you get over the shock of it, makes you angry because it’s a hit-and-run.
bear88 - April 9, 2009
Horrible news
my heart goes out to his family, friends, the organization and their fans..
It’s amazing how quickly life can just vanish.
tosk - April 9, 2009
First the Opening Day fight
that led to a fan passing away and now this. Sure puts a damper on what has been an entertaining series.
buddahead9 - April 9, 2009
Oh my god.
I feel sooo bad. Its so weird rooting vehemently against someone, then wake up and hear this news. I am kinda in shock actually. Id rather have had GMJ caught that ball to end the game so it maybe woulda changed the outcome of Andeheart’s fate and still be alive today. If Napoli or Fuentes makes that play he gets home 10 mins earlier. My prayers go out to his family.
Syphon - April 9, 2009
Shocking
As happy as I was to wake up to the news that Fuentes had blown last night’s game, to hear this. Damn. Just, damn.
Syphon, I had the same “what if” feeling when Cory Lidle died; in that if the Yankees had advanced to the ALCS that year, Lidle would have been with the team playing, rather that flying.
bruinhoo - April 9, 2009
Yeah..
Its amazing how one small detail can change your life forever.
Syphon - April 9, 2009
RIP
closetasfan - April 9, 2009
Terrible
That is incredibly sad. I guess I feel more upset because I paid attention to him so closely last night. Way too young in any case.
Buck Turgidson - April 9, 2009
I'm stunned and horrified.
He had improved so much from the last time we saw him. He had a bright future. And he was just 22.
WaddellCanseco - April 9, 2009
Is there something we can do as a group?
WaddellCanseco - April 9, 2009
I'd like to, too.
Did he have a charity? Probably too new to the league…?
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
Same here
Perhaps if he doesn’t, there is a particular Angel’s charity? Or perhaps his family will recommend one…
5Aces - April 9, 2009
May I suggest MADD?
From one article: Andrew Thomas Gallo, 22, of Riverside will face charges of manslaughter, felony driving under the influence and hit-and-run, he said.
On average, every 22 minutes someone is killed by a drunk driver. That more isn’t done to stop drunk driving is, well, criminal.
Nico - April 9, 2009
Agreed
Flashfire - April 9, 2009
Count me in to whatever you all decide
WaddellCanseco - April 9, 2009
Me too.
CyZito - April 9, 2009
The decision about whether to donate, or where to donate,
is strictly a personal choice, but for those who may want to here’s the link for donating to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving).
I plan to as my way of doing something, anything, to let this tragedy have some positive result – me supporting an organization I could have, and should have, supported before.
Nico - April 9, 2009
You know...
…I really hope that all the high profile people who are caught drunk driving on a regular basis will be affected by this story. But it’s a reminder to all of us; no amount of inconvenience is worth the potential consequences.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
Someone I know (not a friend)
killed someone while she was drunk driving. She was sentenced to 120 days in jail. That’s it. Disgusting.
Jennifer - April 9, 2009
It sucks all the way around.
120 days doesn’t seem like much for taking another persons life as the result of a stupid decision. I’ve had the misfortune to see some people reaping the consequences of poor decisions. This news made me recall an 18 year old girl on her way to prison for 8 years for the same type of incident. Her family seemed like nice people, hell, she wasn’t a “bad” kid herself. It’s just a shitty situation all the way around. They really can’t stress enough the stupidity of driving under the influence enough in high school. I wish there were mandatory classes where all the graphic results of such poor decisions were presented in full technicolor.
alox - April 9, 2009
It's 2009 in the age of technology - cars should all not be able to start
without passing a breathalyzer. Unless you work for the alcohol or auto industry, it’s hard to see how one can oppose this. When every 22 minutes someone is losing their life to drunk driving.
Nico - April 9, 2009
Easy to bypass
VORP is too nerdy - April 9, 2009
Maybe not as easy when you're drunk?
I don’t know the technology involved, but I’m confident that if the will was there something could pretty easily be done to greatly, greatly, greatly reduce the potential/incidence for drunk driving.
Nico - April 9, 2009
They have those already.
All you have to do is have someone else blow. I think a mother was arrested driving drunk and having her kid blow for her.
Jennifer - April 9, 2009
One thing that would make sense to me
is to have drunk driving, or being in the car with a drunk driver, classified as a felony AND to have any DUI or any being in the car with someone who is DUI, punishable by loss of license for no less than 5 years.
There is simply no excuse for drunk driving, no reason someone guilty even once “has a right to drive” anytime soon, and no reason the law should be soft on even a single incident.
Nico - April 9, 2009
And if you are famous...
…and can afford a driver and/or 16,000 other forms of transportation, I don’t want to hear it.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
Don't take this wrong, because I think we're on the same page.
But fuck that.
EVERYBODY can afford a taxi.
If not, most places will get a cab for you if you can’t drive.
mikev - April 9, 2009
Exactly
If you cant afford a cab ride home you can’t afford to go out and drink. Two drinks at my club is the same as a cab ride home. Everybody that can afford to drink can afford a cab.
But I really hate professional athletes who get DUIs and there should be substantial league punishments for them.
designatedforassignment - April 9, 2009
Yeah, that's more of what I'm saying
EVERYBODY can afford a taxi…but if you are one of the elite who can afford a HELICOPTER, what is your excuse? Makes you wonder how all the MLB players/coaches who have been caught with DUI’s feel about this news.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
reportedly the driver
was driving with a suspended license for earlier DUI convictions
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
Disgusting.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
No offense taken; we're saying the same thing.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
Afford is different that having them actually show up
Once you get out in the sticks of SF, you can ask the taxi dispatch to send a taxi, and wait 2 hours for it on Saturday night. Makes it a bit harder.
It’s better to sleep at the bar. (or your friends house.)
MobiusKlein - April 9, 2009
Which is why muni should work till an hour after bars close.
designatedforassignment - April 9, 2009
I agree with this to a certain extent
but what if your sloshed and your friend is like “im totally ok to drive”. Ive been in situations where Im too drunk to check 100% someone elses’ sobriety and have to take their word that they aren’t drunk.
The other thing that we need is buses that run all night and are convenient. We would save so many lives if everyone just Munied to and from the bar. I do when I go out and it works well for me… except I have to wait about 30 min and walk a mile or so to make it work but hey its cheaper than a $15 cab ride.
designatedforassignment - April 9, 2009
Dude.
The only thing I can to this is that there is never any valid excuse whatsoever for involving alcohol and a vehicle. I’m not saying this to be a prick either. Plan this stuff out before you go out. Do whatever it takes to ensure that you get to and from where you’re going without placing yourself or innocent other people in needless peril. If you can’t do these things, then don’t go drinking. It’s really that simple. I’d hate like hell to hear that you yourself ended up killing someone or being killed or hurt because of a piss poor decision. No one’s “word” is good enough for a choice of this magnitude. Think right now about the 22 year old kid sitting in a jail cell wondering what the hell just happened to him? He’s totally screwed. I imagine right about now he’s wishing he could go back and change a few things. But what is done is done. His whole life turned on a few simple decisions that had he made it home safely last night, would have been forgotten tomorrow. Sadly, for him and Nick his luck ran out.
alox - April 9, 2009
Like I said I take muni when I go out.
and I agree with the breathalyzer proposal even if it can be overcome. However, I don’t think a passenger should get a felony if someone drives drunk. I mean should a passenger get a felony if they’re stupid enough to ride with someone who runs a red light?
designatedforassignment - April 9, 2009
You know, I started this debate
and want to suggest we not continue it here. Too much potential for bad feeling at a time when people’s emotions are running high, plus it distracts from the tragedy itself.
Where I think we all agree anyway is that this sucks.
Nico - April 9, 2009
I didn't take it as a debate....
just you offering a possible solution to a horrible problem. dfa, myself, and you are all on the same page. This absolutely sucks.
alox - April 9, 2009
Agree with this
you can look in the Dontrelle Willis return thread to see my views on drunk driving. I didn’t really see it as a debate but more of a where do we go from here kinda thing. From my perspective changing policy or attitudes is the only good thing that can happen from this.
designatedforassignment - April 9, 2009
Don't think of it as "driving"
Think of it as “operating heavy machinery”, because that’s exactly what it is. Even a small car is easily 3,000 pounds, mostly capable of moving at 70 mph or higher.
We don’t need convenient buses any more than you need to be drunk.
GlassHeart - April 9, 2009
The fact that buses can be inconvenient is no excuse for drunk driving,
but if convenient buses would reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road, I think we need them anyway.
whomeverwiz - April 9, 2009
Im not suggesting it as an excuse... exactly the opposite.
Like I said I wait for the bus in the wee hours of the cold mornings because I don’t want to drive, but it would be a lot easier to convince people to do the same if buses operated more frequently and had more routes than the current service we get.
designatedforassignment - April 9, 2009
I may have been obtuse :)
What I really mean is, when speaking with intelligent people such as you, if buses are inconvenient and driving is dangerous, then you should just not drink. The People have no obligation to provide convenient transportation just so you can drink.
Having said that, there are always going to be stupid people, and we do have to weigh the cost of the late buses against the cost of drivers who insist on being drunk.
GlassHeart - April 10, 2009
Thanks for clarifying
I would be happy to discuss that proposition but I think the implications thread is probably a better place for a burdens discussion like that.
designatedforassignment - April 10, 2009
another 22 year old
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
I think we should all wait a little
Lets see what happens in the wake of this. I am sure there will be a charity set up in his name or a donation for his family. I see no family (wife children) in his bios, anybody know?
norcalfan - April 9, 2009
That being said.....
any charity is a good charity
norcalfan - April 9, 2009
he was excellent last night
all rivalries aside, this is truly a tragic loss of a young life and a promising talent.
thoughts to his family and teammates.
jaylikewise - April 9, 2009
Very sad and tragic.
rfloh - April 9, 2009
Very sad and tragic.
rfloh - April 9, 2009
This is terrible
I’ll add my condolences to the Adenhart family, the Angels and their fans. This transcends baseball and geographic rivalries. How horrible and senseless. I agree that it makes me angry because of the nature of the accident. But mostly my heart is heavy for this young man who had so much ahead of him.
fridaynightfan - April 9, 2009
I don't know what to say.
Last night I was so excited about the outcome of the game, and now I really don’t care.
UncleLeo - April 9, 2009
It does kind of put things in perspective
Tyler Bleszinski - April 9, 2009
It does.
I’m sitting here with a knot in my stomach and I didn’t even know all that much about the guy other than he was a good young pitcher.
We should also remember that two other people were killed and one other hurt, too. Truly tragic all around.
UncleLeo - April 9, 2009
This is just horrible, horrible news
My sympathies go out to the Adenhart family, the Angels organization and the Angels fans. I recently had a friend who was 40 years old pass away suddenly from a heart issue. I thought that was too young to lose someone who was such a good person. This is just crazy. He’s 22, right? Damn. Just damn.
Tyler Bleszinski - April 9, 2009
Yes, he's 22.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
Ratto says one of the other fatalities was an Angels’ employee
gigglingone - April 9, 2009
Just horrible and so, so sad.
OaktownPower - April 9, 2009
Sad news ... you never know when you have said your last goodbyes
Make sure you always tell your loved ones you love them when you say goodbye
sactownbull - April 9, 2009
so true
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
Oh my God.
Unbelievable, and terrible.
vegAN ryAN - April 9, 2009
I'm speechless.
It’s hard to believe we just saw him last night, and now he’s gone.
lynnzgal - April 9, 2009
Thoughts and prayers to his family
what a truely terrible incident
TheGreenGoldCrush - April 9, 2009
Jesus.
Condolences to the family, the Angels, and their fans.
walk off bunt - April 9, 2009
Senseless and infuriating.
I enjoy the rivalry with the Angels, it’s good fun and an entertaining way to pass the summer. I love seeing them beaten on the field and harassing the hell out of friends who are Angel’s fans. But this, this sucks ass to no end. This kid had a wonderful future ahead of him, days where he was going to stick it to us, and others where we were going to have fun making him as miserable as possible as he tried to mow down our guys. With out knowing the specifics, without a doubt A’s fans and Angel’s fans have been robbed. And his family, God it’s just horrible to contemplate what they must be going through.
alox - April 9, 2009
Numb
Just numb. Game tonight? It would be like a sacrilege to cheer. I heard this on Murph and Mac this morning, then they went laughingly into an interview with Macha. Even that made me sick. There is no way they can play baseball there tonight. This is bigger than baseball.
OptimistPrime - April 9, 2009
Halos Haven comments
I just went over and signed into Halo Haven for the first time. I would imagine his family will see it at some point. I think it would be a classy move for all us ANers to comment and give our condolences, like a guest book. I have a 20 year old son, and even the mere thought of this being him devastates me. Just horrible horrible horrible
OptimistPrime - April 9, 2009
That is a very thoughtful idea.
lynnzgal - April 9, 2009
I've seen condolences by fans of many clubs
on the Angels’ official site…that’s also an alternative.
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
Wow
So tragic hate to hear things like this. Hope they string the guy who casued the wreck up by his ba!!$
ChrisB - April 9, 2009
Damn it.
I lost a friend in an accident last October who was also struck by another vehicle and seemingly not at fault. It’s a terrible, tragic thing to experience and I hope the best for the Adenhart and Angels family.
This accident caused those memories to come back and for me to remember how painful they really were. I hope to all that is holy that the Adenhart family will be okay.
Boonee - April 9, 2009
I know what you mean.
my car was totaled when someone ran a red light last year and thankfully my passenger and I survived with minor injuries but it certainly made those emotions flood back. I can imagine it must be painful for you to remember all of that again… so sorry about the loss of your friend.
Christine - April 9, 2009
This is the true range of emotions in baseball
I never thought I could be so low following such a thrilling win. I don’t know what else to say.
Nico - April 9, 2009
Right there with you
This is unbelievably saddening.
Smooth - April 9, 2009
I know
I got on this morning ready to brag and elate and roll around in that amazing win, and crow about our unstoppable offense. Now I could care less. I called my boy this morning, just to hear his voice. The home opener tomorrow night is going to be really sad with the tribute to the officers and now this.
Go A’s just rings hollow right now
OptimistPrime - April 9, 2009
I said it over on HH...
…but when I woke up to see the news this morning I was hoping it was a sick, twisted, late April Fool’s joke.
Flashfire - April 9, 2009
I left a message at HH
I think many from there would do the same for us.
Athletics fan and runner - April 9, 2009
same thing crossed my mind too Flashfire.
Unfortunately I was wrong.
Darryl P - April 9, 2009
I thought it was a joke, too.
My first thought was, "that’s a totally tasteless headline. How would you feel if he really did get killed? And then … well, now we know how it feels, and it feels just awful.
iglew - April 9, 2009
Tragic, Sad, Cruel World
Words cannot express what the Adenhart family and the other families of the accident victims are going through. This just highlights how fast life can take a cruel turn for the worse.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Angels family.
Oaktownflav - April 9, 2009
My bestfrind
died in car accident at the age of 18. Just horrible to think that anyone has to go through what I did.
The Best Always Get Taken First.
Rip Nick.
nickatt7 - April 9, 2009
I had a very close friend of mine die in a car accident
when he was 22 as well. Its just terrible.
Syphon - April 9, 2009
Friend...sorry
nickatt7 - April 9, 2009
Oh, no.
I had just seen him pitch against the Cubs a week ago in Mesa, commenting with my friends how we will hear much more of this young man. How little do we know.
elcroata - April 9, 2009
Speechless.
Just devastating news.
67MARQUEZ - April 9, 2009
Just horrible...
Life just isn’t fair sometimes.
LVElephant - April 9, 2009
Not the only tragedy last night...
http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/98437-spectator-dies-in-fight-at-angels-as-opener
For a game that I felt so happy about last night, i suddenly depressed
demarius12 - April 9, 2009
that was on Monday
very tragic as well.
micdog2001 - April 9, 2009
OMG
Wow ….. just wow.
Dub_TC - April 9, 2009
The game must go on
Playing on is the best way to honor the passing of members of the baseball fraternity. There is nothing as cathartic, or as revealing, as a game played in the shadow of mortality, and there is no better way to honor the dead than to play on with heavy hearts.
mvk - April 9, 2009
That said, if they decide not to play tonight I'd certainly understand why
Flashfire - April 9, 2009
Yes, it's whatever the team feels is the best way to go
WaddellCanseco - April 9, 2009
Chills.
A'sian - April 9, 2009
Holy crap.
What terrible news. RIP Nick Adenhart.
Darryl P - April 9, 2009
I just remembered something
I was doing photography for a website at a game in Fresno last year between the Grizzlies and Salt Lake Bees, and for about half an inning I sat next to Dustin Moseley (rehabbing from an injury) and chatted with him, and Nick Adenhart was charting pitches. We exchanged hellos but that was it.
It’s been about an hour since I learned about this and I still can’t believe it.
Flashfire - April 9, 2009
Ironic ...
I was just watching the game last night telling my father and son that the worst thing for the A’s about the starting picthing injuries for the Angels is that Nick Adenhart will get the chance to establish himself in the rotation. I thought he’d supplant one of the injured starters – he was going to be a star.
iceplant - April 9, 2009
My thoughts and prayers to Adenhart's family, friends, teammates and fans.
batgirl - April 9, 2009
Unbelievable.
lenscrafters - April 9, 2009
And on a side note, fuck anyone who decides to drink and drive.
lenscrafters - April 9, 2009
has it been confirmed
that the responsible driver was drunk?
Darryl P - April 9, 2009
yes. Apparently being charged with felony hit and run/DUI
mikev - April 9, 2009
Wow...Sad...Wow...RIP Nick.
A's Fan KT - April 9, 2009
I just saw this on MSN.
It’s so eerie that we were just watching him pitch last night. This is really bad news and I can’t believe the driver fled the scene.
I feel so bad for his family. 22 years old is just too damn young.
ohtobe21likehuston - April 9, 2009
My gosh, that is just so unbelievable.
Rest in peace, Nick.
walkoff baltimore chop - April 9, 2009
OMG!!!
that is just SO SO SO AWFUL!!!!!!!! :(
my deepest condolences to the friends, family, and teammates of Nick and to all the Angels fans!
gotgreen - April 9, 2009
Very terrible news
First a fan dies after Tuesdays game and now a player after last nights contest. I agree with the above poster that events like these put baseball in perspective. Good luck and best wishes to those that remain.
Ovale Fan - April 9, 2009
Really sad news
thoughts and prayers go out to all the families
A'sfaninNC - April 9, 2009
I just posted over on HH
Shocking, just shocking.
Condolences to Nick’s family and the families of the others.
Trainman - April 9, 2009
I'm Shocked.
Prayer goes out to his family and his teammates on the Angels.
This is truly sad.
Gromit1025 - April 9, 2009
Terrible News
My heart goes out to the family and to the Angels players.
Cancelling tonight’s game is appropriate.
richwol1 - April 9, 2009
I'm the Angels fan that registered on here awhile ago and said I would post occasionally.
Well, I think this is an appropriate time. I was really pissed off when our bullpen blew that game last night but I was encouraged by Adenhart’s good start against a tough offense. Well, unfortunately, we won’t be seeing any of those gems anymore. I found that my computer was spammed with IM’s telling me to check the sports news. I am also a Lakers fan and today was supposed to be a great day because Andrew Bynum is coming back from injury but now that is totally ruined. First our 3 big horses go down in Spring Training, then a fan dies as a result of a brawl at the big A on opening night, and now a player dies. What horrible luck.
I’m giving the Angels a pass this season if they suck and don’t make the playoffs. Something like this can be devastating to the morale of the players and I wouldn’t be surprised if it affected their performance.
Chzburger Jones - April 9, 2009
I also wouldn't be surprised if the Angels players
dedicated this season to Nick.
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
But you never know, something like this can pull them together
They certainly will all be effected.
winchester5 - April 9, 2009
what i was thinking
Cheezombie - April 9, 2009
me too
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
I'm at a loss of words.
Truly devastating.
Rest in peace, Nick.
ElQuesoCapitan - April 9, 2009
This kind of thing happened just a couple of years ago
with Josh Hancock, a reliever for the Cardinals. I believe the Cardinals ended up canceling the next day’s game, and the season was dedicated to him. They wore patches with his number on them, sort of like the Twins did with Kirby Puckett.
Now, the unfortunate part with Josh Hancock was that he himself was driving drunk and hit someone else.
VORP is too nerdy - April 9, 2009
Ya I remember that well.
WaddellCanseco - April 9, 2009
The recent Kirkwood incident is fresh in my mind as well.
I didn’t know any of the people, but others that I know did.
WaddellCanseco - April 9, 2009
Not that one tragedy should be compared to another,
but to me this is far more tragic for the fact that Adenhart’s car’s driver was not driving drunk (as far as we know). Hancock was part of “the problem” – it’s still tragic – but the people in Adenhart’s car weren’t in any way, shape, or form.
Nico - April 9, 2009
Just tragic. I was at the game last night not too far from Adenhart as he shut down the A's. RIP.
Right now MLB is listing a start time of 7:25 p.m.which is 20 minutes later than originally scheduled. But i’m not sure if that definitively means the game will be played or not. Press conference in 15 minutes.
oaktownmario - April 9, 2009
it had been scheduled at 7:25 pm
because the Angels were going to induct some former players into the Angels hall of fame.
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
Oh, didn't know that
oaktownmario - April 9, 2009
Just awful awful news...
Best of wishes to the families of those who were killed.
ZeroIndulgence - April 9, 2009
RIP Nick
As happy as I was with the A’s comeback win last night, it pales in comparison to this young man losing his life to a drunk driver. My condolences to the Angels organization and especially to Nicks family and friends.
a'sfaninsd - April 9, 2009
This sucks!
I couldn’t make it to the game threads last night. It was a great game & I was looking forward to going back & reading a some comments from the game threads & recap to re-live the excitement from last night. And well a few comments into the recap I felt no happiness and in fact it was bringing me down. Such a tragedy for a young kid.
drink409 - April 9, 2009
Such a shame :(
Kid pitched a great game last night too. Such potential snuffed out in a second by some douche in a hurry….
athletics68 - April 9, 2009
The killer was drunk, not necessarily in a hurry.
richwol1 - April 9, 2009
Crazy
When I got to the front page and saw the picture of Adenhart and saw “Report: Adenhart Killed” I was trying to think of how that could relate to the game the night before (was he killed because his bullpen blew the lead?) Man as a 22 year old named Nick who just watched this guy pitch that hit too close to home.
swatnick - April 9, 2009
Live feed of the press conference
Here
Also on MLB Network, apparently.
vegAN ryAN - April 9, 2009
Conference to start in 2 minutes ( ~ 10:44 AM)
vegAN ryAN - April 9, 2009
:`(
I left a message on the Angels site, but I think I’ll hop over to HH, too. I recently did a project involving MADD and was disgusted and saddened by the drunk driving statistics and this still shocked me somehow. my thoughts and prayers are with the Adenhart family.
Christine - April 9, 2009
I take back everything I ever said about the Angels
rest in peace, nick.
eastcoasta'sfan - April 9, 2009
Thoughts and prayers to the families and the Angels organization
This is just about the worst news one can wake up to…
Kaiser99 - April 9, 2009
No kidding...I'm just devastated.
I wanted a chance for the A’s to beat Adenhart; I want to wake up to and Angels/A’s rivalry, not tragedy in the real world.
So damn sad.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
I'm a pitcher kind of guy
And while I enjoy offensive blowouts from time to time, I was looking foward to the pitching duels between Adenhart and one of the MACs for years to come. Very sad indeed.
Kaiser99 - April 9, 2009
Well said
I am surprisingly shook up by this. I thought I was more jaded.
fridaynightfan - April 9, 2009
Two minute warning for press conference.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
link on TMZ
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
It's raining here in the Bay Area
It seems appropriate for the heavens to cry for an Angel.
My prayers go to the family, the Angels fans and teammates, baseball as a whole, and the entirety of humankind which we are all a part of.
When you get home tonight, hug your family members and call your friends to tell them you love them. Life is precious and unexpected.
oaklandSMASH - April 9, 2009
Remember, the Angels' have that ceremony tonight...
…I wonder if it will be very difficult to cancel the game; there was supposed to be a lot going on tonight. Wonder if they play in memory of…
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
Nope, cancelled
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
Game cancelled.
vegAN ryAN - April 9, 2009
Tonight's game canceled
VORP is too nerdy - April 9, 2009
watching the Angels press conference
tonight’s game has officially been cancelled
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
Live conference on TMZ is farked.
VORP is too nerdy - April 9, 2009
Charity, AN
I’m sure some have already donated individually, but I think it would be nice if we could organize a pooled collection from the Athletics Nation community and contribute the whole sum in AN’s name … whether we choose MADD or some other charity that the Angels organization or Adenhart family designates as their preference.
I think it would be a nice gesture to remind us all that even though our sports rivalry gets heated at time, it’s all in the spirit of healthy competition, and when it comes to life and death matters like these we’re all on the same team.
I know some of you out there aren’t in good shape financially right now. If you’re someone who wants to contribute but can’t spare the cash, maybe your contribution could be to coordinate this and let the rest of us write the checks.
iglew - April 9, 2009
I think we absolutely should. Let's find out more information in the next couple of days.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
I agree and I want to emphasize that in "fundraisers" like this,
participation is more important than “dollar amount.” In other words, if you’re unemployed and want to be part of a collective donation, donate $5.00 or even $1.00; someone else who’s in a better position to can pick up the slack by donating a larger amount. Just participate if you wish to; the amount is not the issue.
Nico - April 9, 2009
I am unemployed but I want to participate financially.
WaddellCanseco - April 9, 2009
For every unemployed person who contributes $5,
I’ll match that $5, up to a total of $100.
iglew - April 9, 2009
Nice idea. I'll do the same.
I think we should sit on the idea for a few days to see if a charity emerges as a “requested by the family” option, and then once we know more we can put up a thread to tell folks how they can participate if they wish. Does that sound good?
Nico - April 9, 2009
Sounds good.
iglew - April 9, 2009
I agree
drmmerchk - April 9, 2009
Good thing to cancel the game.. this is truly a sad day
It makes me furious that guys like Joba are still walking after something like this. Selig should make an example of him.
RIP Nick… you’ll be missed.
gdub171 - April 9, 2009
Or Tony LaRussa for that matter.
Darryl P - April 9, 2009
Driver had previous DUIs
His license was suspended.
vegAN ryAN - April 9, 2009
Offending driver also 22 years old.
vegAN ryAN - April 9, 2009
Excuse my language,
but what a dumb fuck. I hate people like that.
Jennifer - April 9, 2009
Ridamndiculous.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
Seriously, I'm PISSED OFF at the driver.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
Fuck
Flashfire - April 9, 2009
unfreakinbelievable
walkoff baltimore chop - April 9, 2009
How awful!!!
It makes me scared for a friend of mine who has had issues with multiple DUI’s.
It also makes me think back 10 years ago as a junior in high school when, for a pre-prom ’don’t drink and drive’ type assembly, they had a guy in shackels address the class. That guy was a kindergarden teacher, and killed a person drunk driving.
Geez.
JJ - April 9, 2009
Should have been revoked.
Unbelievable.
ElQuesoCapitan - April 9, 2009
Wouldn't have mattered.
If someone’s that determined to drive drunk, they’re not going to care whether or not they have a license.
jeepers - April 9, 2009
Driver of Nick's car was Courtney Stewart, who died at the scene.
vegAN ryAN - April 9, 2009
3rd person who died hasn't been positively identified, no no name released yet
vegAN ryAN - April 9, 2009
Courtney and Nick had been dancing together earlier in the evening.
vegAN ryAN - April 9, 2009
I don't understand. at the game?
Darryl P - April 9, 2009
Nah
Police indicate that they were headed to some club.
VORP is too nerdy - April 9, 2009
they were on their way to a dance club
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
There's an inconsistency (this is from the press conference)
The girl’s mother said they were at the dance club (about a block away from the scene of the accident) last night, but the car was driving towards, not away from, the club at the time of the accident.
Nico - April 9, 2009
the game didn't end until after 10 pm
and the accident occurred at 12:30 am, so it seems they were likely on their way to the dance club
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
Oh is that when the accident was?
I thought it was 6am – maybe that’s just when news broke.
Nico - April 9, 2009
Yeah, it happened at 12:30.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
6am I think was when he passed after surgery
Athletix Man - April 9, 2009
There are always inconsistencies.
People are emotional and often get their details confused. The full and accurate story is probably days away from being reported.
alox - April 9, 2009
At a dance club, it sounds like.
vegAN ryAN - April 9, 2009
has there been a toxicology report for the driver of Adenhart's car?
I guess they wouldn’t really know yet as these things tend to take a long time.
Darryl P - April 9, 2009
I can't really hear questions from the press
But I think that question, along with a question about if people in Nick’s car were wearing seatbelts was asked, but not answered at this point.
vegAN ryAN - April 9, 2009
was wondering about the seatbelts too.
Darryl P - April 9, 2009
If the answer is no, or yes
it would still sound callous.
but wear your seatbelt, always. Always.
MobiusKlein - April 9, 2009
There is one opposite the train station in Fullerton
They were not too far from there.
Trainman - April 9, 2009
Dance club that is
Trainman - April 9, 2009
"In Cahoots" is the name of the club in question
Here.
Nico - April 9, 2009
Scioscia, Scott Boros, Tony Reagins speaking
vegAN ryAN - April 9, 2009
Just to share it
I took a completely random photo on May 20, 2008 at that Fresno/Salt Lake game I’d mentioned earlier. Thanks to my memory not being the best I’m pretty sure that’s Nick Adenhart on the left and I believe Dustin Moseley, on the right, told me it was at the time when we chatted while I was at work with the camera. I just went back and found the picture:
Nick Adenhart wore the uniform of an Angel, but now I believe he really is one.
Flashfire - April 9, 2009
Scott Boras in tears
vegAN ryAN - April 9, 2009
Breaking down sobbing...man, hard to listen to.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
An Angels fan over in the Adenhart fanpost at HH
suggested that they should put a sort of virtual patch up like this:
Link
If they decide to do that, I think it would be a nice gesture for AN to also put up a similar patch (and maybe the rest of SBN). Just seems the least we could do as a blog to pay tribute to a great young rival taken from us far, far too soon.
AsFanInLA - April 9, 2009
This sounds good to me
WaddellCanseco - April 9, 2009
HH has indeed put up the graphic with Adenhart's number on their site
Seems like doing the same thing here at AN, as a show of solidarity and support in a tough time like this, would be an appropriate response.
AsFanInLA - April 9, 2009
I guess the hardass Boras does have a softspot
Was listening to ESPN radio on XM when the unofficial statement was made
RJ2549 - April 9, 2009
Even if you're an asshole, you have feelings.
Trust me, I know.
mikev - April 9, 2009
I didn't get to see any press.
I am surprised at how upset I am. It’s just so sad and tragic and it puts the “rivalry” between A’s and Halo’s in true perspective. I left a message over at HH. There’s just nouting to say. It’s so , so, so tragic. I can’t stop crying.
athleticsgirl24 - April 9, 2009
I'm right there with you; just devastating.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
Me either.
I’m surprised no one has come into my office to check on me.
ZigFan31 - April 9, 2009
I'm with you, too.
I’m surprised I’m crying at this. I guess it just makes me sad on so many levels. being around Nick’s age, I see so many people I know (not friends, but acquaintances) who have had DUI’s or who drive drunk and it makes me so sick. how people can do that knowing this is what can happen… just floors me.
Christine - April 9, 2009
That is so sad
This kid had all the promise in the world, my heart goes out to his family and teammates!
Athletic - April 9, 2009
To recap the press conference:
vegAN ryAN - April 9, 2009
vegAN ryAN - April 9, 2009
also, a passenger in the van did NOT flee the scene
as did the driver
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
i saw that....did they just stop and wait with the struck vehicle?
if so that’s commendable
thashyt - April 9, 2009
Yeah, but he could also be charged as an accomplice/accessory to manslaughter/murder
Flashfire - April 9, 2009
I'm not sure about that since he or she didn't leave
can you be charged if you’re in a car with a driver whose license is suspended?
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
If he knew the other guy was drunk, it can be said he has a responsibility to keep that guy from driving
Flashfire - April 9, 2009
I doubt that, actually
If he was sober, not driving, and stayed at the scene, I’m not sure he would be charged with anything. Being a passenger with a drunk driver isn’t a crime, is it? Or can it be like the bartender who serves drinks to someone they can see is drunk, and there can be some liability?
Nico - April 9, 2009
He didn't flee the scene.
So no, he’s not likely to be charged with anything. Unless of course he conspired to cover up who was actually driving. He could have been so banged up that he couldn’t run and then lied to the police about who was driving, in which case he could be guilty of accessory. Who knows?
alox - April 9, 2009
I don't understand
how can someone who is not drunk can get in a car and let someone who is drunk drive? unless they are underage or don’t know how to drive for soem reason. I don’t think they should be severly punished but at least someone should explain that it is a bad idea.
granted, i don’t drink and I’m rarely around people who do but it just doesn’t make sense.
micdog2001 - April 9, 2009
A couple possible reasons:
1. You can be too impaired to drive and still not look or act all that drunk, leading people to mistakenly believe it’s safe for you to drive. (Even at .03%-.05%, when you’re at about half the limit and it’s legal to drive, your odds of a car accident are 2-3x what they are if you’re at 0.0%.)
2. People can be shy/afraid about confronting someone, especially someone who is drunk, and might just “go along with it” – especially because most young people believe death is something that can only happen to other people.
Nico - April 9, 2009
Nico,
just a point of clarification. It is illegal to drive in the state of California with ANY measurable amount of alcohol in your system. .08 merely denotes the legal definition of “drunk driving”. You can still be charged with “wet reckless” with a BAC of .07 or below. The exact section is VC23152a I believe. Drunk driving is VC23152b.
alox - April 9, 2009
good points
2. might be a valid reason but it still isn’t very smart. If you are afraid to confront someone maybe you shouldn’t be hanging out with them? Peer pressure can be tough though.
micdog2001 - April 9, 2009
Yeah, it's not so much an "excuse" as a "reason"
Some people are just not good at “confrontation,” which saying “I don’t want to be your passenger” can be.
Nico - April 9, 2009
Also, alcohol can make people (more) violent
so even a sober person could feel legitimately afraid.
Nick - April 9, 2009
I understand
but go back to my point, why are you driving around with someone who you are afraid might hurt you for suggesting “maybe I should drive”. All situations are different (maybe it is someone you are forced to be with and/or don’t know very well) and I’m not saying everyone who ends up in car with a drunk driver is a criminal. Just be careful who you are associating yourself with.
micdog2001 - April 9, 2009
to clarify, I never said "excuse"
micdog2001 - April 9, 2009
I see it as a liability thing
As in, you can’t let someone who’s drunk get behind the wheel and drive.
Flashfire - April 9, 2009
True, but if I, a civilian, see some lady stagger to her car
looking and/or smelling drunk, I don’t have a legal obligation to stop her. In the case of someone you know or are driving with, remember they don’t have the benefit of a BAC reading – it’s not always clear how impaired someone actually is. My rule, for myself, is that I will not drink and drive the same day, no matter what the quantity and no matter how many hours – it just keeps things simpler.
Nico - April 9, 2009
No, but if you're in that car with the person I think it could be a different story
I’m not saying I know the situation in this case – for all we know the guy “seemed fine.”
Flashfire - April 9, 2009
We also don't know how sober the passenger was
Nico - April 9, 2009
Well said.
I’m glad they acknowledged the other fatalities in the car as well; so many times when someone famous dies, we tend to gloss over the other casualties of the accidents.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
My sympathies to all the families involved
just tragic.
Since1972 - April 9, 2009
Stunned
I have a daughter who will turn 22 this summer. The idea that someone would have to bury their 22 year old child fills me with a tremendous amount of sadness and grief. The fact that they will by burying their 22 year old child due to the actions of a repeat DUI offended makes me want to
hurt someonesee that justice is done.Please, people, don’t drink and drive!
doctorK - April 9, 2009
My daughter is 22
doesn’t drink, but can’t understand why I worry about her when she goes out with her friends who do. Needless to say we had a little talk this morning revolving around this tragic news.
RIP Nick. My prayers and condolences to the families of all the victims and to the Angels organization and their fans. .
luvsthecurveball - April 9, 2009
MLB.com link (they’re streaming MLB Network’s coverage)
vegAN ryAN - April 9, 2009
Thanks for sharing that link.
worldblee - April 9, 2009
I had a friend a couple of years ago who was hit by a drunk driver
and was DOA when the ambulance got there, on the other hand i’ve also gotten a DUI (for a .09)….this is a very sad time….i’m not exactly sure what to say
thashyt - April 9, 2009
I am glad I quit drinking over 10 years ago
I had to (along with all the pills)
The last 7 years before that I did not drink and drive.
I hit the center divider of the 405 freeway and blew both left tires and lost control and happened to go down an off ramp. It was 2:30 a.m and there was no traffic. I never drove after that when drinking period.
I thank God to this day I did not hurt anyone. I think alot of people have driven while intoxicated but instances like this show us how we can ruin lives doing so.
RIP, Young man
Trainman - April 9, 2009
Promise you won't do it again
If not for your own sake, for the sake of the rest of us out there.
doctorK - April 9, 2009
I never ever have the urge to drink
I gave up and said, “I cannot do this anymore” That was December 08, 1998
People relapse because they won’t surrender in the first place. Mine was more addiction to pills (vicodin’s, 30 a day) but I had my share of blackouts from alcohol as well. I’m a Kiwi so we do things to the max.
I had the chance to go to AA back in about 1995 and I said NO, I am not ready to quit yet and when I do, I want to do it permanent and not half heartedly. I went to AA for three years and have quite a few friends I met. I don’t go now and I even have a roomy that drinks everyday but I could care less about it. I know if I drink one then it might as well be a thousand and one. Not going to happen.
Like I said, when I hit the divider on the 405, it scared me shitless. I was not that drunk (I was over the limit though for sure), I fell asleep as it was 2:30 in the morning and I had won a couple of grand at the track and was partying afterward. I called the rental car agency up and told them I was run off the road and they brought me another car. I got rides or took cabs there after.
The only DUI I got was like 1982 in New Zealand when I was in a hurry to go to my girlfriends place and overtook a plain clothes police car doing 60 in a 30. They took me to jail where my next door neighbor was (he was a cop) and tested me. I was 2 1/2 times the legal limit. He told the Sargent that he would give me a ride home and to not charge me but the man said no. I deserved that so I plead guilty at the first court appearance. Over there they drive you back home after they test you and I had them drop me off at the girlfriends place. She slammed the door in my face and said comeback tomorrow when you are sober.
Trainman - April 9, 2009
This explains a lot.
Seriously, I think I understand you a lot better now, Trainman.
(Now if you were to reveal that you’re also a rugby player, the picture would be complete.)
iglew - April 9, 2009
Did that too
Injured ankle in car accident when hitting power pole at 60 mph.
Teaching girlfriend to drive and she got into rough shingle on side of road and lost control. We all had minor leg injuries. I walked a mile and a half on it to get help as it was in country.
Got to hospital and x-ray showed two fractures, one on each side of ankle just below (sort of like fork in bike where you bolt wheel on. Never had surgery and had quite a bit of trouble when working on railroad switching because I would run in the ballast by the tracks and would turn ankle in (opposite to rolling it) and be in intense pain. Ortho surgeon told me I should have had surgery but ankle is pretty good now. He told me I would have arthritis in it. He was wrong thankfully.
Needless to say, no more rugby but I was not that good anyway. Always one or two faster than me.
Trainman - April 9, 2009
I appreciate both the honesty and openess about your own life.
People make bad decisions, and owning up to them and not making the same ones again, and knowing and appreciating the consequences is a huge step.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
Well said
worldblee - April 9, 2009
Very, very sad
I feel sorry for Adenhart’s family and friends, the other passengers in the car, and for the Angels as well. Adenhart seemed like a good pitcher on the rise and he didn’t deserve to have his life taken away this way. Rest in peace.
worldblee - April 9, 2009
Unbelievable
It definitely puts baseball in perspective, and reminds me personally that no matter how much I root against a team, the people on the team are human beings just like anyone else, and need to be treated with respect because you just don’t know what might happen after the game.
Rebuilding Season - April 9, 2009
+1
And, agreed.
walkoff baltimore chop - April 9, 2009
Not an accident
I would like to make a comment on semantics. There are no such things as traffic accidents. It is with purpose that people get into 2,000 pound vehicles, choose to drink, knowingly put people’s lives at risk, and repeat the process until something tragic like this happens. The way that we have our transportation network set up ensures that crashes (and devastating ones at that) will happen.
We (and the news media) need to stop calling these traffic accidents. They are crashes and painful to whoever goes through them. My condolences go out to Adenhart and his family.
thsprgrmscks - April 9, 2009
I don't really think this is the time to get into semantics
I don’t care whether it’s an accident, unintentional or whatever. It’s a tragedy.
Flashfire - April 9, 2009
Agreed. You're right.
We’ll take that discussion elsewhere.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
And I'd ask folks not to reply further
Nothing good can come of continuing this discussion right now.
Nico - April 9, 2009
I said he was killed in my headline.
I thought MLB’s “Adenhart dies in accident” was actually a little misleading.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
But neither here nor there.
It doesn’t matter, the result is the same.
Huge tragedy for baseball.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
This is so sad.
My heart goes out to Nick’s family and the family of the others in the car. What a waste.
A'sfansince1970 - April 9, 2009
In a situation like this, I always think first of the parents
I just feel so bad for the parents who have to endure losing a child.
Nico - April 9, 2009
Me too...and he was JUST coming into his own in the league.
What a waste.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
one small consolation
is that hopefully his parents got to see him living his dream and performing well on the diamond before he was taken away.
chipper1001 - April 9, 2009
Yeah, and he came off a great start, too.
But a very, very, very small silver lining.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
Yea his Dad had flown out from Baltimore to see him pitch last night
Sad
Athletix Man - April 9, 2009
It probably freaks me out a tad more that I just saw him pitch last night,
but at the same time I’m glad he got a chance to pitch. And in hindsight, I’m glad he pitched well. (I wasn’t so thrilled at the time.)
Nico - April 9, 2009
Me too
WaddellCanseco - April 9, 2009
A terrible, terrible tragedy
This is the third tragic death of an Angels’ player I can think of. Lyman Bostock was murdered during his 2nd year, I think, of a big free agent contract he signed with the Angels. I think that was back in the 1978 or 1977 season.
And, of course, Donnie Moore killed himself after the 1986 playoffs.
No wisdom to offer, just sadness and condolences.
Nick - April 9, 2009
To clarify
Moore’s suicide happened a few years after the 1986 playoffs.
Nick - April 9, 2009
I don’t even know what to say because I’m still in such shock. RIP Nick and the other 2 passengers. I hope the injured person makes a full recovery. I will never understand why people think it is OK to drink and drive and I wish that people would learn from tragedies like this instead of repeating them.
Last night’s game was really amazing and I wish we had the opportunity to see him pitch more. My condolences to everyone affected by this.
drmmerchk - April 9, 2009
:'(
RIP
supermarc589 - April 9, 2009
Looks like the fourth person will live:
From TMZ.com:
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
TMZ
I’m annoyed that TMZ is all over this. Makes it sound like tabloid news.
A'sian - April 9, 2009
Well, they did break the story...
…hours before anyone else. And it is tabloid news; he’s a famous person. I thought they’ve done a pretty good job of reporting, very fair and reporting the facts.
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
I'm not the biggest fan of TMZ
A look at some of the other threads on there will show why. They are in people’s face, exploiting tragedy for sensationalist reasons, in a way that is not “news” or “journalism.”
Nico - April 9, 2009
the comment section under the press conference at TMZ.com was horrible
some guy was promoting a site called drunkcanuck.com and another was spouting off conspiracy theories about Howard Hughes or something.
micdog2001 - April 9, 2009
I wonder what Baseball will do with regard to Adenhart's death...
Will there be moments of silence at tomorrow’s (or even some of today’s) game? Will we have a Adenhart memorial day? What will the Angels do for him? A plaque or tree or something in his memory at their stadium? I hope something is done.
Also, tragedies like this just remind you that regular (non-celebrity/famous) innocent people die every day. Like the two individuals that died with Nick. His death is no more or less important than theirs. If he hadn’t been involved, this would have been just another local news story. Condolences to any and all affected by these deaths.
chillicothe20 - April 9, 2009
I think they did so in some of today's games already
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
that's good to hear
I hope the Angels are able to work around their schedule for the funeral. They shouldn’t have to play until they have been given sufficient time to deal with this.
chillicothe20 - April 9, 2009
There was a moment of silence in Baltimore before the NYY and Balt game.
winchester5 - April 9, 2009
I just saw some of the White Sox/Royals game on the extra ininings preview
the white sox announcers didn’t know tonight’s game was canceled. None of the other announcers were talking about Adenhart but the games I saw were well underway.
micdog2001 - April 9, 2009
The A's home opener will be very somber tomorrow
There’s a memorial to the 4 fallen Oakland Police Officers, and I’m sure they will do something for Adenhart as well.
batgirl - April 9, 2009
Nick Adenhart probably saved a few lives today.
You know, he did have a lot of promise in his baseball career, but just by getting as far as he did before being taken, he has probably helped a few Angels fans and other baseball fans take drunk driving more seriously.
Maybe a few folks who would’ve behaved recklessly are reconsidering how they manage those decisions because of what happened to this young man. And maybe because of that, a few lives will be saved.
So his baseball talent was not completely wasted, it probably saved a few lives, which is more than you can say for most players.
blueconversechucks - April 9, 2009
I heard recently that the Blue Jays
stopped selling beer at their home games, because of too many incidents on opening day with drunk fans. Maybe baseball should reign in alcohol sales to some degree.
chillicothe20 - April 9, 2009
IIRC
they had their liquor license suspended for 3 days and removed all alcohol from the premises…including clubhouses. But I don’t think it’s permanent.
luvsthecurveball - April 9, 2009
Yeah
Busted for multiple infractions including selling alcohol to minors, but the suspension is temporary.
vegAN ryAN - April 9, 2009
I rarely get carded at the Coli, and i just turned 22 in Jan
Cheezombie - April 9, 2009
there's a worker in the westside club
who cards all the ladies, even it they’re obviously way over 21. Most of them are thrilled when he cards them….it’s fun to watch the reactions…
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
Good point.
You would think that “It could have been your son / your sister / your husband” would be enough to get through people’s heads. But if for some reason that doesn’t get through to you while “it could have been the hot prospect on your favorite sports team” does, well, I’m just glad if we’ve reached a few more people.
iglew - April 9, 2009
for those who would like to sign the guestbook
Legacy.Com has opened up a page for Nick Adenhart.
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
Thanks!
WaddellCanseco - April 9, 2009
Wow...
What a terrible tragedy.
My joy over the A’s come from behind win last night has turned into sorrow…
My sincere condolences to the friends and families of the three young people who were killed last night.
Sweet Spot - April 9, 2009
It's these kind of events
that make me have a zero tolerance policy (not to mention great disdain) for those you drink and drive. To me, the biggest offense is putting other people’s lives at risk by getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. I mean, I really don’t care what you do in your free time, just please don’t do something that can ruin other people’s lives/families. As far as sports goes, I find that when athlete’s get convicted of DUI’s, I tend to dislike them just as much as if they had taken steroids/made innapropriate comments/whatever sin you can make in sports. This is probably the root of my irrational dislike for Michael Phelps to be honest. Anywho…
Like everyone has said, this is a downright terrible tragedy, and from an emotional perspective I hope everyone in the immediate families and the Angels’ organization can get through this. For this day, I am an Angels fan and I will be pulling for the team and the families. My thoughts are out to all those affected today.
DyeLongJustice - April 9, 2009
When people die in drunk driving incidents...
…it’s almost always the wrong one: the innocent victim.
Flashfire - April 9, 2009
There are also 1-car crashes
I used to work for a couple of nurses unions, and one of the members I knew really well had a nephew who was the passenger in a one-car, drunk-driving accident which involved the driver taking a turn too fast and smashing into a telephone pole. The driver died. My friend’s nephew had some pretty nasty injuries (including his foot “de-gloving”), but nothing life-threatening, thank god. Still the kids involved were 18, and even if you survive that’s a burden you’ll carry the rest of your life.
Nick - April 9, 2009
De-gloving....
That’s such an ugly injury to see. It looks absolutely horrifying.
alox - April 9, 2009
But surgery, rehab and recovery are apparently very, very successful most of the time
At least, the RNs I knew all said so.
Nick - April 9, 2009
I saw a guy who crashed his motorcyle....
his left hand had been de-gloved. He was still in the hospital a month later, mainly due to other injuries, but I couldn’t believe how good his hand looked.
alox - April 9, 2009
never seen it but it sounds bad
micdog2001 - April 9, 2009
Think of your skin
as a glove. Then think of taking it off. That about sums it up.
alox - April 9, 2009
that was my assumption
eeww, that sucks.
micdog2001 - April 9, 2009
This really sucks..He pitched awesome last night...22 years old...
Many condolences to his family and to the Angels… Damn…I really don’t know what else to say….
iljackb - April 9, 2009
I think someone in the LF bleachers
Should make an RIP Adenhart poster for when the halos come to town.
Cheezombie - April 9, 2009
Here's the driver
http://deadspin.com/5205745/man-who-caused-adenhart-crash-had-prior-arrest-record
Flashfire - April 9, 2009
Now he does look like someone I would be afraid to confront while he was drunk
micdog2001 - April 9, 2009
TMZ has 3 pics up and more info on him
including a haunting prior statement
TMZ.com
micdog2001 - April 9, 2009
Unfair
Completely unfair. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families involved in this tragedy.
Let’s hope the perp who commited this crime is locked away for a very, very long time. Better yet, feed him to the sharks.
baseballnut020 - April 9, 2009
I really fell terible for all angels fans and Adenhart's family.
This truly puts the difference between life and baseball in perspective.. We will all miss you Adenhart…
Socalfan21 - April 9, 2009
Just terrible....
I’m going to drop a note over at HH too. :’(
This is just so strange and so sad… Just yesterday he was fine… I feel horrible now.
I don’t even know what else to say…. Rest in Peace. :(
#14fan - April 9, 2009
This really IS sad.
Was watching the game last night and was really impressed with Nick Adenhart. That hook he threw to Chavvy for strike three in the 2nd Inning (???) Wow, what a ballsy pitch.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims families…….and the Angels…..and even to Scott Boras, who showed some humanity during the press conference.
A sad, sad day.
Masaryk - April 9, 2009
I wish I could, but I can't afford to donate $1,000,000 to
MADD or the charity of the Adenhart family’s choice. However…
Nico - April 9, 2009
I just looked it up, and I'm glad to see that Adenhart
had a win last year (1-0). Otherwise, Suzuki’s nubber, etc. would have had the effect of depriving Adenhart of his first-and-only major league win.
Nico - April 9, 2009
Harold Reynolds was saying on MLB Network that Suzuki caught Adenhart when they were playing on the US team...
…a few years ago, suggesting that he hates to think what Suzuki’s feeling right now.
It’s easy to forget that just because teams like the A’s and Angels are rivals on the field, in many cases these guys know each other well off the field or have played as teammates in the past.
Heck, Brad Ziegler and Scot Shields just got done being teammates in the WBC.
Flashfire - April 9, 2009
I get the impression that ballplayers feel a fair amount of solidarity across teams
Some of it is because they played college or Cape Cod or international ball together, or were teammates in the minors or majors before a trade. Some of it is probably because they share some other element of their backgrounds — from the same part of the country, say (whichever one they come from). But you always see players from both teams chatting and laughing together during BP, and I’ll bet they hang out on off days or after day games some, too.
And aside from K-Rod and Lackey/Kendall, I don’t remember a whole lot of actual bad blood between the players on the A’s and Angels. Every time the teams play, everyone on both teams talks about how good the games always are, and how hard it is to beat the other team. And I don’t think that’s all standard-issue, don’t say anything for the clubhouse bulletin board stuff. I think it’s genuine.
Nick - April 9, 2009
+1
sslinger - April 9, 2009
wasn't Adenhart on the olympics team with Cahill and Anderson?
OaklandSi - April 9, 2009
yup
gigglingone - April 9, 2009
WOW this is just sad
may you RIP
manny59 - April 9, 2009
What a loss for the families Nick belonged to...
that of his own and that of Major League Baseball. It’s surreal to think that just hours ago we were watching him do his thing (and do it well) against us if only it was through the filter of television. I’m glad he pitched so well on his last night.
Nick Adenhart, We salute you…
DaSwinginA's - April 9, 2009
Just reminds me....
that no matter how much I love our A’s, or how much I may hate the Angels, this is just a game, and it really doesn’t matter that much.
Adenhart’s family has my deepest condolences.
polytician - April 9, 2009
Tragic...
Unfair. Completely unfair. I am in shock. At 22 his life was just beginning. It was just last night that we watched him hold our A’s in check for six innings. This truly puts the difference between life and baseball in perspective. We often take life for granted and it usually takes a tragedy like this for us to really be greatful and appreciate our short time here on Earth.
The feeling of anger accompanies this feeling of sorrow. How stupid does one have to be to drive drunk? I don’t care if it’s one beer or four, if you drink don’t even think about getting behind the wheel. You’re putting a lot of innocent lives at risk by driving under the influence. People need to stop being selfish and start using common sense.
I’m proud to say that at age 24 I have yet to take a sip of alcohol and have no plans to do so in the near future. Only bad things can come from drinking.
What angers me the most is that the perp who committed this crime had a prior arrest record, which included a DUI charge in 2006 and possession of marijuana in 2007. I hope they lock him up and throw away the key. Better yet, feed him to the sharks. He doesn’t deserve to live after taking away three innocent lives.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families involved in this tragedy, including Major League Baseball. We lost a good one.
RIP Nick.
baseballnut020 - April 9, 2009
The thing about drinking is that it puts you
quite literally “not in your right mind,” impairing, specifically, centers of the brain that govern judgment and decision making. So in order not to “be that dumb,” you have to make the smart decision while you are sober, and when they’re on their way to a party is not when most people are thinking about going home.
Nico - April 9, 2009
I understand
I also understand that drinking is a social thing, but I just think people can still socialize and have fun without the alcohol.
baseballnut020 - April 9, 2009
+1000
I’m with you.
micdog2001 - April 9, 2009
Another proud teetotaler
I’m 43 and I’ve never had alcohol either. It’s not a choice for everyone, and I certainly wouldn’t preach that everyone else has to do the same. But those of us who do choose not to drink — and I include those who were “converted” later in life — can be proud of our choice.
iglew - April 9, 2009
I can't drink because it is an instant migraine trigger for me
About the only reason I’m thankful for my headaches is that my friends always have a designated driver when I’m out with them.
batgirl - April 9, 2009
Wow
This is devastating news. Condolences to the family, friends, and the Angels organization. It is a loss, and as was said above we as A’s fans also lose the years of matchups against such a promising pitcher. It is truly a sad day for all of baseball.
sslinger - April 9, 2009
During third period, my Angels friend received a text message from his dad and told me that Nick Adenhart had died. I couldn’t believe it. This is a sad, sad day.
Rated-R Superstar - April 9, 2009
Am I correct that they still haven't released the name
of the third passenger “affiliated with the Angels”?
The fourth passenger, Jon Wilhite, who is still in critical condition but is expected to survive, starred at Cal-State Fullerton. I don’t know if any current players/coaches have ties to him, but many notable players have come from there, including Mark Kotsay I believe.
Nico - April 9, 2009
All released now.
Here
ZigFan31 - April 9, 2009
Thanks - so he wasn't, in fact, officially affiliated with the Angels?
Nico - April 9, 2009
Nope. None of the 3 were.
It appears from that story, this guy (Henry) only knew Jon Wilhite.
ZigFan31 - April 9, 2009
At least nothing has been reported that any of the 3 had ties with the Angles yet.
ZigFan31 - April 9, 2009
Yeah, even the police officer at the press conference
indicated there was a connection, but that they couldn’t release the name until the coroner had given a positive ID. Was he not a minor league player?
Nico - April 9, 2009
I don't know.
I heard the initial report about a connection but none of the stories about the other victims has made that conncection yet.
ZigFan31 - April 9, 2009
From a heartbroken Angels fans
Thanks for all of the heartfelt comments coming from all the A’s community. I really appreciate that we can set aside rivalries and come together as a baseball community. Although I haven’t harbored any hard feeling towards A’s fans beyond friendly rivalry, you have proven to be a real class act. Good luck this season. Much respect from this Angels fan.
UCIHalo - April 9, 2009
A big part of what we love as fans is the competitive rivalry.
You can’t have the rivalry without a good adversary to compete against. So in that sense, the Angels are an essential part of what we love about the A’s. (And vice versa for you.)
iglew - April 9, 2009
Thanks
I’ve seen a number of people expressing gratitude on HH, especially from fans of other AL West teams.
Let’s just say anyone who would put the rivalry or team-driven hatred of another player first in things like this is not someone I would care to associate with.
Had I grown up in Southern California, I would likely be a Dodgers, Angels or Padres fan. Since I grew up where I did, the A’s are who I root for. That doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate players from other teams, teams themselves, or some of their fans, but I probably won’t root for them.
Tragedies like this remind everyone just how unimportant the game itself is in the end. It’s there for our enjoyment.
Flashfire - April 9, 2009
heartbreaking
I encourage everyone to read Rev’ piece over at halo.
Jeremy Belvins - April 9, 2009
I just put that on the front page
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
RIP
Nick Adenhart
Henry Nigel Pearson
Courtney Stewart
micdog2001 - April 9, 2009
I vote for a Nick Adenhart patch for players to wear on their sleeves.
I’m sure the Angels will do it, and i dont know how many teams wil/should. (IMO all should)
but i sign the A’s up to have an ODP patch on one arm and a NA patch on the other.
supermarc589 - April 9, 2009
It'd be hard to have one on the side the elephant patch is
Flashfire - April 9, 2009
true
maybe a banner or something in the collesium then for the OPD and then use the other shoulder
supermarc589 - April 9, 2009
I mentioned this upthread a ways
but I think it would be nice for AN to do what HH has done by putting a virtual #34 patch on the upper left AN logo. (Check out the HH home page to see how they have done that).
AsFanInLA - April 9, 2009
I opened a new thread...
…linking to Rev Halofan’s excellent tribute
http://www.athleticsnation.com/2009/4/9/828988/nick-adenhart-thread-cont#comments
baseballgirl - April 9, 2009
This is just so sad...
I just woke up a little while ago and I don’t think I have fully wrapped my brain around it. It is just too hard to understand how the young man I was so impressed with last night could all of a sudden not be here any more. It is just so unbelievable and tragic.
BobbyCrosbysGirl - April 9, 2009
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