The Loss of Nick Adenhart

Im lost right now and the only place I can think to come right now is here to grieve with my fellow halo fans. Im truly heartbroken right now.

This is the kind of thing that hits the hearts of baseball fans around the country. I know even as a fan of a different team I was looking forward to watching this kid pitch in the future. What a tragedy.

This morning I attended the funeral of a friend of mine who just lost a 5 year battle to cancer. He was 24 years old. After the funeral my roomates and I went to grab a bite to eat and talk about Nate’s life. He had been a teammate of my roomate’s on the 2000 ND state champion baseball team. Just as we sat down I looked up at the television and saw the news.

RIP Nick. You will be missed.

Angels just postponed tonight’s game.

May GOD bless you
You will be missed
And THANK YOU

I have no words to express my sadness. I feel for his family, for the Angels family, for all Angels fans, and all fans of baseball. I’m glad they canceled the game tonight, and I hope the team can move forward from here. I know it will be difficult. This is no way to usher in a new season of baseball.

This kid had all the promise in the world, I am so sad for his family, teammates and fans. God bless you all!

Again from this Cubs fan (I posted in the other thread, too), my condolences to Nick’s family, the Angels family, and the family of baseball. We have all lost something precious today.

You said what exactly what I think we’re all feeling. My heart goes out to his family, his friends and everyone touched by him.

your eloquent words speak for all of us.and thank you to all the fans around the country and your support. we are all together today

I’m crying today. I love baseball, god damn it. I care about our players. They are a part of the family, and today we lost a brother.

I am a lifelong A’s fan but this is devastating to me, such a fine young man and pitcher, he did so well against the A’s last night.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Angels organization, Adenhart’s family & friends, and y’all. I am so sorry.

I’ll be thinking of you tonight. Sorry, really so sorry.

I feel like someone with a billion dollars just robbed us at gunpoint of our last 5 dollars….ugh

You got the waterworks going again…

If you will allow me, God bless you. You’ve captured well my own first reactions well, and it helps to see them so poignantly expressed when my own words are failing me so badly right now. My condolences to his loved ones.

I mean he was RIGHT THERE, live on my computer screen, 15 hours ago. His 6th inning was awesome. 7 pitches, all strikes. I get a call 3 hours ago from another halo fan telling me to turn on sportscenter, Nick Adenhart’s been killed. It just…it’s tragic, and so goddamn RANDOM.

that kid had such a bright future and this is a loss to the entire baseball community. I watched the game last night and could not stop thinking about how great a pitcher he was going to become. He handled himself so well and to come back from surgery so early in a career is a wonderful testament to his character. I’m so sorry… no other words.

Words can not capture the feelings that I’m sure we’re all sharing right now… but, Rev, thanks for doing the best job I’ve seen.

Nick, you will be forever missed, R.I.P.

my heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to everyone who knew him.i feel like the someone who rev wrote about… RIP Nick Adenhart 1986-2009

I really hope that we see a ton of Adenheart shirts and Jerseys around the park for the rest of the season. It will be a sign of not only being a fan, but a member of a community and a family.

i’ve been crying all morning, and now have to try to hold it together at work.

we’ll miss you, Nick. i’ll always remember what you did and what you could have done

What a incredibly depressing few days :(
I can’t believe it. We saw him play not even 24 hours ago…
He did such a great job too…
22… same age me … man…

RIP Adenhart. :(
Thanks for the great post Rev.

i was just at the game last night. i heard an interview with him and Rex before the game. this is just so unreal right now i cant believe it

I’m deeply saddened by your, ours, all of baseballs loss. This is a horrible thing. My heart goes out to Nick’s family as well as the others in the car.

The thing I can’t wrap my mind around, or the thing that is surreal, I was at the game last night. I just keep going back to that, I was at that game, and now Nick is gone.

Everyone was so young, so there is a lot of loss being felt all around. Three lives taken all at once, plus one seriously injured. Also the beating of Brian Powers has ended in someone leaving us way to early with too many hurt left behind.

I’ll be wearing my Angel red the whole weekend.
I feel closer to you and OUR Team

After going through the turnstiles, we happened upon a booth where some minor leaguers were signing autographs. One of the signers was Nick Adenhart.
At that time, he was coming off of surgery, and – IIRC – pitching for the Quakes.
My son went up to get his autograph. All I can report is that we was a kind person…no ego whatsoever. Not long after signing, he got up from behind the table and just started mingling and talking with some other fans…not that many…most didn’t know who he was (including me at the time). All I can report is that he was a kind person…happy and carefree. A regular guy. No big ego.

A couple of weeks ago, I watched him pitch in ST. I kept thinking…I am so happy this guy is an Angel! He was looking really good. He has all the tools…what a bright future.

I’ve felt numb all morning. Your eloquence is why I like this site so much and why I check in everyday. You said how I feel. So thank you again. My condolences to Nick’s family…

i think that everyone should do this out of respect for Mr. Adenhart

i’m a visiting cardinals fan, and having hancock and kile die within five years of each other, i can’t express enough condolences to the angels community. this takes an amazing amount out of a team, a city, and a community. i’m terribly sorry for the loss.

and they already took Adenhart off wow this hurts

You expressed whats in every fan’s heart.

I just heard about this heartbreaking news about half an hour ago, and the first place I wanted to read more was here. I knew people would be feeling the same way I do right now. Completely awful.

RIP Nick.

Very nicely written

Commissioner’s Statement

It’s hard to explain how we can feel the loss of a man most of us never met and only some of us saw live (I never did). He was the future, though, and a kid I konw we all rooted for, and I can’t tell you why, but like many others, I really am heartbroken by this loss. That four people died because of one idiot…

and i’ve cried just as much this morning as i did when i found out about my friends. these players really are part of my extended family, a part of my life. this is unbelievably hard to deal with, but seeing fans from all over the country, regardless of rivalries and such reach out, i’m starting to cope.

RIP Nick Adenhart, you will be sorely missed!

well said Rev…….also my heart goes out to the familys of tha passengers in Nicks car. From what i have heard they are all local OC kids.

I am so saddened by this. I mean, I didn’t know the guy, but he was part of our team. OUR BOYS. I feel like someone has cut off my arm.

only 22 years old :/ RIP nick.

this was a really moving article rev.

Well said.

Thanks for those great 6 innings last night, I’m glad I was there for them.

very, very well said. Thanks, Nick for being an Angel. We will not soon forget you.

beyond all the heartbreak, and sadness that comes with the territory is that I’m truly glad that that stupid piece of shit driver fled the scene so I can watch him spend the rest of his life in prison.

Nick was one of my favorite prospects from the moment we drafted him. I met and shook hands with him back in Spring Training ‘08, and have his autograph on a ball that sits on my desk. I’ll best remember him, I think, as the first player I ever realized the Angels had that was younger than myself. I remember seeing his birthday and thinking “holy crap, this guy is gonna take a mound one day and make me feel old.” That, of course, makes this loss sting all the more harshly. Not just because we’ve lost an immense talent and a great young man, but because I had long thought about watching Nick come up through the system, and mature into a staff ace all at the same age as myself.

And then I remember watching the game last night. Watching him work his way in and out of trouble all night, with the composure of a veteran. And I remember the last time I guess I “saw” him alive, when the camera was on him between the 6th and 7th innings, knowing he wasn’t coming out for the next inning and just thinking how great it was to see such a great talent take the next step forward, and how awesome it was for him to (probably) pick up the win for his effort. And now that’s all ruined by, of all people, another kid younger than myself.

The only survivor of the brutal car crash that killed 3 people, including pro baseball player Nick Adenhart, is currently in critical condition at the UC Irvine Medical Center.

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

for your guys’ loss and especially for the loss to his family. It is completely unfair you guys had a great talent stolen from you and his family had a great individual stolen from them. What this Gallo idiot did was inexcusable but at least he’ll be able to consider what he did with a new found sobriety through (hopefully) the rest of his pitiful life in prison. Again, from a Cubs fan used to dealing with pain—gallows humor I know—my deepest condolences.

Captured it perfectly.

God bless you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Reading this thread — and the obvious devotion and fan love shown by it — brought a few tears to my eyes as well. You are a tribute to him.

Finally, after all these years, I think I have the perfect name and number for my jersey.

I am sorry for your loss, I watched the game last night he was a true talent. My thoughts and heart go out to you fans, as well as his friends and family. Rest in peace.

if you care to see it:

http://deadspin.com/5205745/man-who-caused-adenhart-crash-had-prior-arrest-record

im still having a very, very hard time with all of this.

all morning for this post. I knew that you, Rev, would write something so honest, so fitting, so perfect that it would provide me with just a little bit of comfort on this sad day. You didn’t disappoint.

Thank you.

Just awesome. My heart is heavy today.

    One thing I know is that there is another angel in heaven. Another star in the sky.

Beautifully written, Rev. Thank you for sharing something so honest.

I don’t necessarily think a league-wide #34 arm patch tribute would be out of line here.

to offer my sincere condolences and prayers to all of the Angels organization and fans. And most importantly, to Nick’s family and friends and the family of the other victims.

It was a privilege to watch this young man for the brief time we were able. RIP Nick.

Myself and MattUK have followed the Angels from England for several years, and are happy to suffer through the time difference to watch the players go out day after day to represent their team (aka OUR team) What makes the sleep deprivation worthwhile is seeing games like last night where a young prospect gets a chance to prove themselves and shine like a true star.

It was incredible to think how much he had already achieved at the age of 22 (i’m 24) – and i’m sure he was an inspiration to many young baseball players.

So from ‘across the pond’ our heartfelt condolences go out to Nick’s family, friends, teammates and to all others who are feeling the loss of a talented young man. Also to all those affected by the loss of the other victims.

May the proper justice be done

Any word on who the other people were in the car with him? Friends? Family?

Dropped by to offer my genuine condolences. My thoughts are with his fans, family and friends.

Rally in front of the stadium tonight folks… spread the word! No, I am not organizing it, but just thought I’d see if we can get out there to show our love for the Adenhart family.

From the LA Times:

It is almost unfathomable that any one team, especially an expansion club that has only been around half as long as most major league teams, could experience so much pain and agony through the years. This is just part of the depressing list:

— ln 1968, relief pitcher Minnie Rojas was permanently paralyzed and his wife and three children were killed in an off-season car accident.

— In 1972, Chico Ruiz, a 33-year-old utility infielder, died in a car accident.

— 1974, Bruce Heinbechner, a promising, young, left-handed pitching prospect not unlike the right-handed Adenhart, was killed in a springtime car crash.

— In 1977, 23-year-old shortstop Mike Miley, another top prospect, was killed in a preseason car accident.

— In 1978, All-Star outfielder Lyman Bostock was driving in a car in Gary, Ind., stopped at a traffic light, when someone in another car shot and killed him.

— In 1985, the two-year-old son of pitcher John Candelaria died after being in a coma for months following a swimming pool accident at his home.

— In 1989, three years after throwing the fateful pitch that Dave Henderson hit for the ninth-inning home run, which turned the ALCS in Boston’s favor, reliever Donnie Moore shot his wife, seriously injuring her, and then killed himself.

— In 1992, the Angels team bus, traveling from Yankee Stadium to Baltimore, careened off the New Jersey Turnpike, injuring several members of the club, including Manager Buck Rodgers, who was hurt the worst.

Lyle wrote a great article about Nick today, he seems pretty broken up about everything.

Rally Monkey

well-done on the logo.

Nick was finally on his way to becoming a diffefence maker for the Angels. He will be missed by all Angel’s fans. It is very hard to understand why these types of things happen to such outstanding young men. Hopefully everyone will remember Nick and the standing ovation he received walking off of the field last night. Nick had finally become a major league pitcher for our Angels and he will be missed by all.

This is just so terrible…
He had so much ahead of him… he will be missed. :’(

and he completely broke down. It really puts it into perspective to see someone we all despise and consider not-human in our everyday jokes around here is really just like all of us…absolutely devastated by how unfair this all is.

Thanks for the words Rev. I visit this site daily, but haven’t posted for a long time. My thoughts go out to the families of all involved and hope that something positive can come out of such a horrible tragedy. Thanks for the six innings last night Nick. I created a new account and screen to remember an Angel that should never be forgotten.

over from the AZ Snakepit. Just wanted to pass along our condolences on this senseless tragedy.

As a Redskins fan, after going through the heartbreak caused by Sean Taylor’s murder, I can appreciate the pain even ordinary fans can feel in times like this. Hopefully, Adenhart’s teammates will excel this season in his memory.

To me, that is a good way for us Angel fans to mourn the loss of a star-to-be.

Very nicely put. My condolences to all who loved, knew, and cheered for Nick. Like many of you, I’m sick after hearing this. I’ve been bothered all day, knowing that if the game ended earlier or later or…too many what ifs and what might have beens.

Almost exactly a year ago, my girlfriend, cousin, and friend of 15 years were involved in a car crash that was very close to being as tragic as this one. This brought back memories that I never wanted to relive. I feel for the families of the victims, and my heart aches for them.

I had the pleasure of meeting Nick three times in the past couple of years. Twice when he was pitching in Triple-A for the Salt Lake City Bees, and once less than a month ago during spring training. He was always very respectful, seemed like a genuinely nice guy, and gladly signed autographs for anyone who asked.

Rest In Peace, Nick. You will always be in the hearts of us Angels fans, as well as many, many others.

The 3rd victim of the tragic car wreck that killed baseball star Nick Adenhart has been identified as 25-year-old Henry Nigel Pearson.

Henry, who was also a baseball enthusiast, was friends with the only survivor from the Mitsubishi — John Wilhite.

According to reports, Pearson was a law student who wanted to be a sports agent.

The Angels were in BALTIMORE (somewhat near Nick’s hometown) on August 24, 1986, Nick’s birthday. McCaskill got the W and Donnie Moore the save. Joyner DeCinces and Boone got the RBI’s that won the game.

I attended both his debut and his first victory games last year 5/1 and 5/12, respectively. I cannot believe that fact eluded me.

I would like to extend my condolences to Nick’s family and friends, everyone involved with the organization, and its fans, as well as the family and friends of the other victims.

To lose anyone at such an early age and in such an incomprehensible manner is both tragic and heartbreaking. To lose someone like this young man with such promise is even more so.

Rest in peace Nick, you’ll never be forgotten

I just got home and turned on ESPN and this news is scrolling across the screen. I Can’t believe it. First it says the Angels cancel tonight’s game and I think what the hell for? Then the line that Nick had died scrolled across the screen. I just could’nt believe it. I had to come to Halos Heaven to actually believe it was true.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Nick Adenhart and his family. What a huge loss for so many people this will affect.

Again, I can’t express to you how sorry I am for the loss of a young pitcher like Adenhart; I was looking forward to him being a part of many A’s/Angels rivalries to come. Everyone over at Athletics Nation is simply crushed; I’m just heartsick over this tragedy, and I’m very, very glad he pitched well last night in front of his dad. Something like this is bigger than baseball, and it affects ALL of us who love the sport.

Take care, Angels’ fans. I’m so very sorry.

—baseballgirl (Athletics Nation)

I was hoping that our GM would acquire a hometown guy like Adenhart, but my thoughts and prayers are with the family.

…and I’m just devastated.

My best wishes to Nick’s family and friends. I hope, and am sure that they know how much Nick meant to us, but, more importantly, I’m sure we understand what he meant to them, and that their loss is so much greater than ours.

Without doubt a genuine tragedy.

dropped everything. Fucking tragic. Well put Rev.

It was so depressing to wake up this morning and read this all over the news :( I was at the stadium last night watching him pitch and now this!!

What is even worse- I am a Cal State Fullerton Student- I had to pass the crash site on my way to school. AND the two other passangers in the car where an ex CSUF titan baseball player and the girl was a current student at CSUF.

This hit me close! :( :(

but thanks for the post Rev! it was beautifully written!

To his love ones, all the best wishes and prayers. Nick will be missed.

…for Nick Adenhart’s family, friends, teammates, and the greater Angel’s fanbase. I remember thinking last night what a promising future awaited Nick Adenhart. It’s too tragic.

Outstanding piece, Rev. And I’m humbled by the thoughtful and sincerely written contributions of each poster on this thread.

I’m an A’s fan, but a friend of mine posted this picture at Facebook. I thought you guys might like it:

I just want to add my sympathies and condolences to the Adenharts, and to everyone who’s been hurt by Nick Adenhart’s death, including everyone who follows and roots for the Angels. As soon as I got over the utter shock of hearing about Adenhart’s death, I immediately thought about Bostock and Moore. Too much tragedy.

Just stopping by with my support, there is not a whole lot that can be said in a situation like this — its simply just not right. Things like this are not supposed to happen, and when they do it feels so unnatural. My thoughts go out to Nick’s family and friends, and of course to all of you great fans, who for our connection through baseball, are showing respect for a life needlessly lost.

The flags are flying at half staff

There are no words to express the pain that this tragedy has caused, a promising life cut short senselessly. RIP #34.

Just wanted to express my condolences to everyone.

Pardon my rambling…I posted in the last thread, and have been lurking all day. Couldn’t get much work done.

I paid close attention to Nick this spring because I had read everything that BP and BA had to say about the guy and was impressed. After I heard he made the rotation I gathered him up in any fantasy I could, and was giddy after checking the boxscore last night before I left work. Hearing about this was a gut punch this morning, cause I was really excited for the kid’s future after finally see him in action last night. I know it doesn’t mean much, but if there are six scoreless innings that I remember at the end of the year…it’ll be his six.

Stay strong guys, you’ll all be in my thoughts…certainly makes the Braves bullpen meltdown last night look pretty god damn meaningless.

both Rev’s post and the logo. I’m so sorry for all who loved Nick (whether you ever met him or not), and for his friends’ families, too.

“You could tell he was enjoying himself, you could see he was confident.”

- from the L.A. Times article

I came by to express condolences and reiterate what others have said before: moments like this bring us all together, regardless of who we root for. My thoughts are with Nick Adenhart’s family and the families of those others who died with him, and with the larger community of the Angels organization and its fans.

And thanks to Rev Halofan for such a thoughtful and meaningful post.

all day Ive been trying to avoid the details or talking or hearing about it cause I dont want to get depressed over it. but thats not gonna happen.

I wanted to share my condolences with the Angels community and the family and friends of Nick. I’m an A’s fan who has been too damn busy to take time out to follow the games so far this season. I regret I will no longer be able to see this man pitch and wonder what was so important last night that I couldn’t follow the game. I’m also grateful for these sites where we can come together to laugh, cry, and share our love of the game. I hope his family and friends can find some solace in the warm words that have been written here today. This just breaks my heart……..

Does anyone have a web link to the Torii Hunter interview that was either on MLB Network or on ESPN?

I checked my cell this morning and got a txt from a friend. I figured it was about going to the game tonight. After reading that there was a multi-fatality accident involving Nick Adenhart, I went online to see if it was true and found nothing but a generic paragraph describing an accident in Fullerton. I felt helpless as there was nothing I could find that could confirm or deny those words. Not until I was on my way to work did I hear it was true and that Nick had passed. I’ve been on the verge of tears since.

My heart goes out to the families and friends whose loved ones were lost this morning in this awful tragedy.

another great person and angel to remember and honor every time we watch a game and every time our team takes the field.

To have been able to be at the game last night to watch Nick put up his best and last performance of his career.

I know we are all, as Angel fans, saddened by this tragedy but I have visited many websites today and it was amazing for me to see how many people who weren’t Angel fans so saddened by this as well.

The Angels just lost a 22 year old future star today and the game of baseball lost an extremely promising performer.

R.I.P. Nick Adenhart

Just wanted to stop in and give my best wishes to the family, organization and you guys. If anybody knows about losing pitchers mid-season, it’s us. It’s a terrible sinking feeling. As terrible as it is to think, much less say, it really sucks that it was a kid with such promise, too. Obviously baseball takes a back seat to the life that was lost, but this still leaves a hole in the organization, both emotionally and plugging in a great player into the rotation. I’m terribly sorry for you guys’ loss. Let’s root for the Halos to honor Nick by playing hard every game, win or lose. Best of luck to the organization in filling the void that has been left.

I met Adenhart a few weeks back in Tempe, when he threw a gem against the Indians in Goodyear. It breaks my heart to know that I’ll never get to watch him pitch again. He was right there and now he is gone.Adenhart will always be in our hearts, whether you watched him pitch or not, his presence was unavoidable.

This is nicely put Rev.

May they all rest in peace. I am dedicating my Pic and Sig to Nick all season even as an A’s fan. Death eclipses everything.

I coach a baseball team and they were not excited to play baseball. They sometimes take advantage of the privilege that they have. Well I mentioned what happened today and it brought them and i to tears. Sad thing happened to a great person, RIP Nick you will be missed…

I think I’ve already said this once in the other thread, but I want to reiterate in this thread.

To all the opposing teams’ fans out there from the A’s to the Yankees and everyone in between, your coolness is off the charts. The words are heartwarming…I wish the Angels players and personnel, Nick’s family, and the families of the other victims, could see this.

Just want to let you know that I will have your backs if, god forbid, a tragedy arises with your team.

Rest in Peace, Nick.

Deepest sympathies to the Adenhart family, the Angel team and fans.

…and they report that the Halo is, indeed, lit up.

Rest in peace, Nick.

I’ve read all the posts and am still in shock. Being out on the east coast I was up until 1:30am watching his great outing. As he worked out of the early jams and then had the easy 1-2-3 sixth, I thought this guy is going to be a standout on this staff for years to come.

When my brother texted me and asked if I had heard what happened, I thought maybe it was an injury or something. Man it floored me to come here and read the news.

My heart and prayers go out to Nick’s family and friends and those of the other victims. Nick will not be forgotten.

Thanks to all the classy fans who have posted from other teams. Your support is awesome and appreciated.

Tonight at 7:00 p.m.

They’re going to re-air last nights game till the 6th inning in memory of him.

Rev, can we please have a game thread for the game tonight? Please?

Our most heart felt wishes and condolences go out to your fans for the tragic loss of one so young.

They go away for a few minutes, but they keep coming back. Just a very depressing day.

and the Halo was lit up…its a sad day.

I hope his friends and family know how everyone thought of him.

He died after what was probably one of the best days of his life. I hope he was very proud of how he pitched.

Thank you for your post.
Obviously others appreciate your words as well…
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Tragic-news-Angels-pitcher-Nick-Adenhart-killed?urn=mlb,154763