There isn’t anyone who hasn’t heard the story and tragic death of Angels promising right hander. It’s one that will pull at your heart strings and make you think about what’s truly important in life. Nick Adenhart was tragically taken from his family, friends, teammates, organization, and baseball fans across the country due to Thomas Gallo’s selfish decision to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol all night long. That decision cost a young kid his life and a life that was full of promise of not just a baseball player, but an outstanding citizen and person of this country. His family was robbed of the opportunity to watch him grow, get married, start a family, and live his dream of being a baseball player.

A big reason why that hit home to me personally was A) He was my age. B) He was a survivor of Tommy John surgery so that alone will scream out about work ethic and character. C) I was fortunate to watch his final start against Oakland the night before his death.

That night while watching Adenhart just completely dominate an Oakland lineup, I remembered thinking I was watching a kid who was going to win cy young awards, headline all star games, lead the Angels to World Series victories. I remembered thinking I was watching greatness hatch before my very eyes. I remember waking up the next morning to check all my fantasy teams and I read the headlines of yahoo and espn and I was absolutely stunned. I first thought it was a sick joke. I then thought it was some other Nick Adenhart. I sent a text to a cousin of mine and we rehashed what happened for a few minutes and it was just absolutely something I as an athlete and person refused to believe could happen to another athlete and another kid my age.

The only solace I could  come up with for his family was that they were able to see their son, brother, nephew, grandson do the one thing that he loved one last time. Pitch. He was able to fullfill his dream of being a major league pitcher, and they’ll be able to remember the joy and happiness they felt watching him that one last time. I sincerely hope that they’ll remember Nick for what he was able to accomplish that night and throughout his life opposed to the way he was taken from them and everyone.

I think that we as baseball fans should remember Nick Adenhart every time we want to get behind the wheel after drinking. Is getting home, saving money for a taxi, making a phone call to a friend or family member at 2 in the morning worth potentially taking a life or even your own? No one should have to feel the grief the Adenhart’s will feel from now until the end of time, and we should all do our part to help ensure that never happens again.

I representing bringingheat.com as Co-CEO would like to honor Nick Adenhart by always keeping this piece in our featured slide. I think it’s something small we as baseball players and fans could do to make sure Nick Adenhart isn’t forgotten, and that he didn’t die for nothing. I know I for one will always remember that April night, watching a fellow pitcher and 22 year old live his dream, and walk off that mound that final time knowing he belonged. That he walked off that mound proud and happy with a sense of accomplishment. I think that’s the main thing we should all remember.

Nick,

Thank you for sharing your gift with us Nick. Thank you for showing us all what passion and hard work could bring us all in our own lives. You’ll never be forgotten.

To the Adenharts,

Thank you for raising a son who was able to shine a positive light on us all. Thank you for showing us how to deal with this tragedy in the public eye with grace, humility and an unbelievable strength. You raised a son whom we’re all proud of, and that speaks volumes about you as parents and people. I wish and hope that we’re all so lucky.

This is our tribute to a fallen angel.