Today would have been the 27th birthday for former Angels RHP Nick Adenhart and it has been well over three years since he died tragically in a car crash. Age 22 is no time for a young man to go, especially in such a terrible manner. Of course, the accident that killed him involved a drunk driver who ran a red light, striking the car Adenhart was in, killing him and two others in the car. Adenhart had just finished off his first start of the season, throwing 6 scoreless innings on 4/8/2009. Just one day later was the fatal crash that took his life.
It was 2004 where the Anaheim Angels took Adenhart in the 14th round of the annual MLB draft. At the time, Adenhart had gotten injured, needing Tommy John surgery in 2004. This affected his placement in the draft, as he was taken in the 14th round, but got a bonus that was higher than some players taken in the second round of the draft. Working his way back from the injury, Adenhart saw his stock rise during the 2006 season, as he went a combined 15-4, 2.56 in 25 starts from Rookie League to A level. Coming into the 2008 season, he was ranked as the #28 overall prospect by Baseball America. Despite having a down season in AAA Salt Lake City (9-12, 5.76 in 26 starts), he made his MLB debut later that season. He made 3 starts, going 1-0, inspite of giving up 12 runs and 13 walks in 12 innings pitched. Adding in the 18 hits allowed, his WHIP for the 3 starts was an unimaginable 2.583.
What was more unimaginable was the fact that he was the victim of the drunk driving accident the following April. His opportunity to be a staple in a major league rotation was taken away. After he overcame the adversity of a Tommy John operation at age 18. 2009+ was supposed to be the his opportunity to prove himself as a MLB starter. His 6 scoreless innings the day before he died showed he could do it. The way his teammates honored him after his passing showed he had an impact on that team.
It was 2004 where the Anaheim Angels took Adenhart in the 14th round of the annual MLB draft. At the time, Adenhart had gotten injured, needing Tommy John surgery in 2004. This affected his placement in the draft, as he was taken in the 14th round, but got a bonus that was higher than some players taken in the second round of the draft. Working his way back from the injury, Adenhart saw his stock rise during the 2006 season, as he went a combined 15-4, 2.56 in 25 starts from Rookie League to A level. Coming into the 2008 season, he was ranked as the #28 overall prospect by Baseball America. Despite having a down season in AAA Salt Lake City (9-12, 5.76 in 26 starts), he made his MLB debut later that season. He made 3 starts, going 1-0, inspite of giving up 12 runs and 13 walks in 12 innings pitched. Adding in the 18 hits allowed, his WHIP for the 3 starts was an unimaginable 2.583.
What was more unimaginable was the fact that he was the victim of the drunk driving accident the following April. His opportunity to be a staple in a major league rotation was taken away. After he overcame the adversity of a Tommy John operation at age 18. 2009+ was supposed to be the his opportunity to prove himself as a MLB starter. His 6 scoreless innings the day before he died showed he could do it. The way his teammates honored him after his passing showed he had an impact on that team.
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