After the news Thursday that Los Angeles Angels' pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in a car crash, stunned Salt Lake Bees manager Bobby Mitchell could barely find the words to describe his feelings as well as those of Bees players who knew and were friends with their 22-year-old former teammate.
"It makes baseball seem very trivial," said Mitchell. "I told [Los Angeles general manager Tony Reagins] that it would be difficult to go out and play. For a while."
Adenhart and two others were killed in Fullerton, Calif., late Wednesday after a minivan driven by Andrew Thomas Gallo, 22, allegedly ran a red light and struck the car in which Adenhart was a passenger. A fourth occupant is in critical condition.
According to police reports, Gallo, who fled the scene on foot, has been charged with felony hit-and-run.
The Bees season opener tonight against Reno at Spring Mobile Ballpark -- formerly Franklin Covey Field -- has been postponed.
"We're going to have a lot of sad people in our clubhouse," said Mitchell. "He was a good friend of everybody. We loved him. This is really, really sad."
Mitchell was for delaying the opening of the Salt Lake season, which was scheduled to start Thursday at 6:30 p.m. against Reno in Spring Mobile Ballpark.
"Oh God," Mitchell said. "This is a big loss for everyone."
The Angels' Web site reported that University of California-Irvine Medical Center spokesman John Murray said Adenhart died after undergoing surgery just after 6 a.m. Thursday.
"The Angels family has suffered a tremendous loss today," Reagins said in a statement issued by the club. "We are deeply saddened and shocked by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick's family, friends' loved ones and fans."
Adenhart made his season debut against Oakland hours prior to the accident. He had pitched six shutout innings against Oakland. The 14th-round draft choice in 2004 made his Major League debut last season and was seen as the future of the Angels' pitching staff.
The Angels drafted Adenhart out of Williamsport (Md.) High School despite suffering an elbow injury and undergoing Tommy John surgery. He was 37-28 in 90 minor league starts.
Adenhart spent much of last season playing for Salt Lake. Despite a rollercoaster season that saw him go 9-13, Adenhart never avoided the media or made excuses for a poor start.
"He was a quality individual," Mitchell said. "An unbelievable kid. I can't believe it."
The Salt Lake Bees 2009 season opener against Reno scheduled for Thursday night at Spring Mobile Ballpark -- formerly Franklin Covey Field -- has been postponed because of the death of California Angels and former Bees pitcher Nick Adenhart.
The contest has been rescheduled for May 30 as part of a doubleheader. The Bees and Aces will commence what will now be a three-game series on Friday at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets for Thursday's opener are valid for any future Bees game this season.
