LA Angels Thursday News Crash: 11 Years Gone

Today marks the 11th anniversary of the tragic death of Nick Adenhart. 11 years. Seems like this anniversary comes around quicker and quicker each year. Nick would likely be entering his age 33 season, that 34th birthday coming in August and each birthday bringing the end of baseball nearer.

Here’s a visual reminder of what those days were like. None of us will ever forget it, especially those of us who were in attendance for that first game back.

Last year the LAT did a look back piece on the decade anniversary of Nick’s death. It is still well worth a read.

Although we try to block out the fact he was an Angel, manchild Josh Hamilton was indicted yesterday for a felony stemming from an assault on his daughter. I’m sure he’ll take his usual zero responsibility and genuinely hope that the sympathy card that has enabled so many of his previous destructive behaviors is no longer on the table for him. Life is tough but we all choose how we cope with things and at some point must take responsibility for ourselves. There’s no way a child should ever be assaulted by their father. Ever.

In some much happier news, Shohei Ohtani is close to throwing off a mound. If 2020 does happen, the Angels may actually have a top of the rotation arm ready.

Continuing on the topic of pitching, MLBTR takes a look at Mike Clevinger as the pitcher the Angels desperately need but traded away.

Talks between MLB and Union about playing all games in Arizona are ongoing.

While I never considered MLB, I kid you not I was sitting at Salt River Fields this March thinking an entire AAA league would fit perfectly in Phoenix using Spring Training sites. Stats would be basically ballpark neutral and teams would save a ton on travel. My mind likes to wander sometimes ha ha.

Players are seemingly split on the idea of playing the year in Phoenix. Don’t know why Chris Sale was interviewed there as he’ll miss 2020 anyway.

Personally there’s no way I’d want to miss that much time with my son so I completely understand the players concerns. Yes, most of these guys make good money and their kids will have plenty of other benefits but being a real dad is a lot more than just paying the bills.

Victor Rojas brought up the idea in his show yesterday. Also a nice piece on the Negro Leagues Museum in Kansas City. That is a stop I am dying to make.

Speaking of Negro Leagues, I’m wrapping up a biography on Oscar Charleston, arguably the greatest Negro League player or all time. Lots of great information about both the player and the Leagues, but also a dynamic tidbit of local interest:

Boyle Heights had a ballpark dedicated to top notch black baseball back in the 1920s. White Sox Park, just east of the river hosted Negro League stars when they would barnstorm in California after their regular season. Plenty of men honored at the Negro League museum played in that very park.

And I’m willing to bet this tamale stand out front of White Sox Park was some good eating.

Have a great day, folks. Stay inside, stay safe.

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GrandpaBaseball
Legend
3 years ago

I do not feel any sympathy for Hamilton, but l do for his family. But if his wife stays with him now that would be sad. He is dangerous now as he has lost the power of not only choice but of self control in addition.

YOUknowulovetheIE
Trusted Member
3 years ago

Question for all the oc people who collect cards. What is your guys personal experience with psa in santa ana? Good or bad.

John Henry Weitzel
Editor
Super Member
3 years ago

I still have the magazine

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Designerguy
Super Member
3 years ago

Forgot to post this yesterday. Saw him pitch many times. One of my favorite memories during Abbott’s first game was someone trying to bunt on him. Abbott jumps on the ball, does that incredible glove transfer and throws the guy out. Absolutely amazing.

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Designerguy
Super Member
3 years ago

OT: RIP to the incredible cartoonist and illustrator Mort Drucker. If you’ve read MAD magazine, you saw his work. He also illustrated the iconic poster for American Graffiti.

AMG.jpeg
Jim Atkins
Super Member
3 years ago
Reply to  Designerguy

Here’s a link from a writer and producer that knew him- Mark Evanier is a comic book legend, worked as Jack Kirby’s assistant, and is one of the few people that has been to every single ComicCon in San Diego.
https://www.newsfromme.com/2020/04/09/mort-drucker-r-i-p/

GrandpaBaseball
Legend
3 years ago
Reply to  Designerguy

Thumbs up to you for remembering Mort and his achievements, growing up in the early 60’s MAD was just the greatest magazine of all time. Great poster also. Spy VS Spy was my favorite, my dad used to read too.

YOUknowulovetheIE
Trusted Member
3 years ago

Baseball goes down right as the new site is boomin. Hang in there all the writers. It will get hot, baseball will be back, and the site will be strong as ever.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
3 years ago

^^^^ should be turned green.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
3 years ago

1. I would imagine Hamilton’s wife is mad at him but hey! She knew what she was getting.

2. I assume Keith Olbermann will have nothing to say but if he does I don’t think it will include an apology to rev.

Designerguy
Super Member
3 years ago

Wishing a happy Passover to all of our CTPG Jewish friends and their families.

Jim Atkins
Super Member
3 years ago

If you have a subscription to The Athletic, Joe Posnanski just wrote a profile of Oscar Charleston in his Baseball 100 series of player profiles. He’s #5. This series is very good, some of the best baseball writing I have read in a long time.