Just last night, 22-year-old Nick Adenhart pitched a gem for the Angels against the Oakland Athletics.
In six innings, Adenhart gave up seven hits and three walks, holding the A's scoreless through those six innings. The rookie also struck out five batters.
Although the Angels eventually lost that game, Adenhart handed over the lead to the bullpen, who eventually blew the game.
Just this morning, the Angels up-and-coming pitcher died.
Adenhart, a passenger in a silver Mitsubishi Eclipse, was killed as a result of a hit-and-run car accident.
Two other passengers in the car were killed, and the lone survivor of the accident was left with serious injuries.
At the time of the accident, the Mitsubishi proceeded through an intersection when the driver of a van ran a red light and broadsided the car, slamming it into a light pole.
The driver of the van fled the scene on foot, but was later brought into custody.
Adenhart had a bright future awaiting him in the MLB. Although he was supposed to be an early first round draft choice in the 2004 Amateur Draft, arm troubles just before the draft forced him to undergo Tommy John surgery.
Because of the surgery, Adenhart wasn't drafted until round 14, by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He made three starts last year for the Angels, winning one.
Last night was Adenhart's season debut, after getting a shot at the rotation due to Angels pitchers John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar, and Ervin Santana being shut down with injuries.
Per MLB.com's list, Adenhart was the No. 35 prospect in all of baseball.
According to a scouting report put together by MLB.com, Adenhart featured an effortless delivery on his fastball, hitting 92-93 miles per hour easily. His curveball was regarded as a "true hammer," his featured strikeout pitch.
With those two good pitches, Adenhart occasionally mixed in a good changeup.
He could command the ball, able to throw his fastball well on either side of the plate, and had the potential to become an outstanding big-league pitcher.
The Angels gave Adenhart $710,000 to pass up a full-ride scholarship to UNC and sign right out of high school.
Adenhart had a great frame for a pitcher, standing at 6'3" and weighing in at 185 pounds.
Statistically speaking, Adenhart enjoyed a great minor league career. From 2005 to 2008, Adenhart went 37-28, with a 3.87 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and had a K/BB ratio of 430/206 in 506 innings pitched.
This included a dreadful 2008 year at Triple-A, when Adenhart went 9-13 with a 5.76 ERA and 1.70 WHIP.
Nick is survived by his mother and father.
Although it is a parent's worst nightmare to outlive their children, his parents were very happy their son got to live his dream as a major league pitcher, if only for a short while.
The family issued a statement this morning.
"Nick's family expresses sincere gratitude for all the help the Angels have provided. He lived his dream and was blessed to be part of an organization comprised of such warm, caring, and compassionate people. The Angels were his extended family. Thanks to all of Nick's loyal supporters and fans throughout his career. He will always be in everyone's hearts forever.
Adenhart's teammate Torii Hunter also spoke to the press: "This is tragic. I can't imagine what it's like for his parents. He was only 22."
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