another angel in heaven.
Nick Adenhart. Before today I didn't know much about him, his name only made me think of baseball but now that name gives me chills. The name Nick Adenhart reminds me that life is short and you should follow your dreams. Nick Adenhart was living his dream just hours before he was killed in a hit and run car accident. Adenhart made his season debut Wednesday night by pitching six scoreless innings for the Angels in a game they lost to the A's 6-4.
According to the L.A. Times, shortly after midnight Adenhart and 3 friends were driving through an intersection in Fullerton, CA when a minivan ran a red light and crashed into the car. The driver of the car that hit Adenhart, fled the scene on foot but was later aprehended by the police. The driver of the minivan was allegedly driving under the influence. Two of the people in the car with Adenhart died at the scene and one is in critical condition. Adenhart was taken to UC Irvine hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after. Adenhart was only 22 when his life tragically ended.
Adenhart signed with the Angels when he was 18 despite just coming off of elbow ligament replacement surgery. He was ranked as the Angels number one prospect by Baseball America. He made his major league debut last May and ended his career with 4 starts and a 1-0 record.
Adenhart's death sent shockwaves through the baseball community. The Angels postponed their game with the A's and there was a moment of silence held before many major league games Thursday.
"You think of a young man who realizes his dream and pitches six shutout innings, and drives home and is gone. Life is not supposed to be like that. I didn't even know the kid and it's hard for me. He's just a little boy who dreamed about playing in the big leagues." says Joe Girardi, as quoted on MLB.com.
Nick Adenhart's life ended just as his dreams were coming true. Less than 24 hours ago he was pitching the game of his life and now he's gone We'll never know what he could have accomplished.
RIP Nick Adenhart.