Angels rookie Nick Adenhart killed in hit-and-run

Picture having your fourth major league start as a pitcher. You pitch six scoreless innings, striking out five players, and narrowly escaping two bases-loaded jams stranding a total of nine of the opposing team's runners. Now, even though your team loses the game, you drive away from the stadium with that natural high that you accomplished a major feat in a professional baseball game. Then... BAM! A minivan runs a red light and strikes your car killing you and two other passengers.

This is exactly what happened to Angels rookie Nick Adenhart last night. Just 22 years old, Adenhart died after undergoing surgery at the hospital. Two other passengers in Adenhart's car were pronounced dead at the scene while another passenger is still in the hospital. The driver of the minivan fled on foot, but police found him about a mile away and took him into custody on suspicion of hit-and-run. A passenger in the minivan was also taken to the hospital.

It's sad to watch a rising star from my favorite baseball team leave this world early. He was the best prospect in the Angels organization going into 2009 and had a huge future ahead of him. Heck, he was three years younger than me. Not only that, but more importantly, he was someone's son, someone's friend, and quite possible someone's hero. My thoughts and prayers go out to Adenhart's family and to the Angels organization.