Nick Adenhart (1986-2009)

The Angels' Nick Adenhart Shortly after midnight on April 9, 2009, Nick Adenhart was involved in a car crash in Fullerton, California, just hours after being the starting pitcher in a game against the Oakland Athletics. Police reported that an individual driving a red Toyota Sienna minivan ran a red light, hitting a gray Mitsubishi Eclipse in which Adenhart was a passenger, sending the Mitsubishi crashing into a telephone pole. Courtney Stewart, the driver of the Mitsubishi, and Henry Pearson, a passenger in the Mitsubishi, were pronounced dead at the scene. Adenhart and Jon Wilhite, the third passenger in the Mitsubishi, were taken to University of California, Irvine Medical Center, where Adenhart died as a result of his injuries. The twenty-two year old Adenhart had earned his spot in the Angels 2009 starting rotation via a spring training in which he recorded a 3-0 record and a 3.12 ERA (26 IP/9 ER) over the course of six starts. During that span, he struck out 18 while allowing only five base on balls. Adenhart opened the 2009 season as the third starter in the Angels' rotation. In his final game on April 8, 2009, he earned a no-decision, giving up seven hits and no runs while striking out five batters and walking three batters in six innings against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. His teammates were devastated by the tragedy. The Angels postponed the game scheduled for the day after Adenhart's death. In remembrance of Adenhart, for the rest of the 2009 season, a black No. 34 patch was placed above the heart on Angels uniforms, his locker in the Angel Stadium of Anaheim clubhouse remained untouched, and a locker was assigned to him on road games. A black and white photo of Adenhart along with his name and number was added to the center field fence at Angel Stadium. And, a makeshift shrine, dedicated to Adenhart, was established outside the home plate gates to Angel Stadium. For the remainder of the season team hung one of Adenhart's jerseys in their dugout during games. When the Angels celebrated winning the American League West division on September 28, 2009, teammates honored Nick by spraying champagne and beer on one of his jerseys. They then gathered in front of the outfield wall memorial for a team picture. The Angels established the Nick Adenhart Pitcher of the Year award given to an Angels pitcher for outstanding performance throughout the regular season.[29] The Little League Baseball field where Adenhart played in Halfway, Maryland was rededicated as the Nicholas James Adenhart Memorial Field. The Adenhart family created the Nick Adenhart Memorial Fund, which is designed to provide financial support to youth baseball organizations. The goal is to lend a helping hand to struggling leagues around the country to buy equipment and cover expenses to keep youth baseball functioning. The first presentation from the fund was for $5000 to the Halfway, Maryland Little League.¹   The day you mowed the order down We saw a future pitching crown, But, now, a pall paints dark our town With it's heavy heart and tearful frown. ~ Ace Toscano   Our sincere condolences to Nick Adenhart's Family, Friends and Fans.

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