NICK ADENHART: GONE TOO SOON

On the morning of Wednesday, April 8, 2009 Nick Adenhart was preparing to pitch in a major league game for the Los Angeles Angels against the Oakland A's.  His first start since the previous season where he struggled and was sent back down to the minors. The road to get to this moment was somewhat long for this young 22 year old.  He had already had elbow surgery after being drafted in 2004, he was trying to find control of his pitches, so he worked in the winter following the 2008 season, and he looked and felt good coming into 2009 spring training.  So, tonight was his big chance due to another starter going on the DL.  His father, Jim had flown out from Baltimore to watch the game at Nick's request.  "Something special is going to happen" Nick said to his dad when he asked him to attend the game. 

Nick was right.  He threw 6 scoreless inning and left with a 4-0 lead.  Unfortunately, the Angels lost the game; but Nick had proven he had big league stuff.  After he pitched his last inning, Angels manager, Mike Scioscia, patted him the back.  His pitching coach Mike Butcher went over a few things but overall was really pleased with Nick's outing.  Nick was elated and finally felt like a true major leaguer.  His father said that Nick was walking on air as they parted ways, Nick going out with some friends and his dad returning to his hotel.

Nick was popular in the clubhouse.  Although he had only been there a short time, he made friends easily.  He was notorious for being able to imitate any voice, and was known for having a love of all kinds of music, even suggesting at bat songs for a few of the older players.  He had a smile that lit up a room. 

Sadly, April 8, 2009 would be Nick's final game.  Shortly after midnight April 9th, Nick and three others were broadsided by a drunk driver who went through a red light and hit the the car Nick was in at a high speed, pushing it into a telephone pole.  The driver, Courtney Stewart and passenger Henry Pearson were killed instantly.  Nick and the fourth passenger, Jon Wilhite, were rushed to the local hospital.  Jon Wilhite survived; but Nick Adenhart died as a result of his injuries.  He was only 22 years old.

The Angels mourned the loss of their young player.  The team canceled the Thursday game against Oakland and the players returned home that afternoon.  Nick's dad asked to come to the stadium.  He walked around the field and stood on the pitcher's mound.  He went to the clubhouse and sat in front of Nick's locker.  The players ached for the elder Adenhart.  What do you say to man who has lost his only child?  Jim Adenhart spoke to the team and coaches, thanking them for taking care of his young boy during his short time in the majors.  There was not a dry eye in that room. 

I saw that game Nick pitched that night.  It happen to be a game the MLB network broadcast.  I remember thinking this kid was good.  I was shocked to find out the next morning he was gone.  I have always felt that the fans are a part of baseball's tight knit family.  Without fans, there is no baseball.  So, when Nick was killed, it was like a distant relative had died.  One maybe you had never met but realized after they were gone, how special they were. 

Today, Easter Sunday, is the three year anniversary of that special game Nick Adenhart pitched.  I like to remember the young pitcher coming into his own, rather than how he died. 

Is there a message in this story?  Several.  But you don't need me to tell you what they are.  The purpose of this was solely to remember Nick Adenhart, a talented young man who was gone too soon.

Nicholas James Adenhart (August 24, 1986 – April 9, 2009)