Nick Adenhart: 1986-2009

I got a disturbing phone call from my Mom with the news that Nick Adenhart had been killed in a car crash earlier this morning. Unless you follow Angels baseball, mostly the minor leagues you probably wouldn't know the name. But I do. Nick was a RHP with a lot of promise and even more talent. He was a 14th round draft pick for the Angels in 2004. He went through the Angel's minor league system, which includes the rookie level, Orem Owlz, and the AAA Salt Lake City Bees. Nick helped the Owlz win the Pioneer League Championship in 2005. He was the youngest pitcher in the major leagues at the time he was called up in May 2008. His very young major league career consisted of 4 appearances, including six shutout innings last night in the Angel's game against Oakland.

Nick was not just another player to make an appearance in our home town. Due to my family's involvement with the Host Family Program with the Owlz, I knew him. He ate dinner with my family, in our home. We have followed his career closely and I am very sad to see his life end. My thoughts and prayers go to his family, as well as the families of the other two individuals killed in the accident. 

The Angels and Bee's games were postponed to a later date this evening due to this tragedy. You can read more about Nick's life and career in the many articles consolidated by Stephen Smith at FutureAngels.com.