Angels Postpone Game in Wake of Nick Adenhart's Tragic Death

In the wake of pitcher Nick Adenhart's tragic death in a car accident early Thursday morning, the Angels and Athletics have elected to postpone the game scheduled for Thursday night.

It was the only logical choice for the two teams given the circumstances.

"We are going to deeply miss him," said Angels general manager Tony Reagins at a press conference. "Making phone calls to a lot of our players and coaches this morning, the fact of disbelief is just prevalent."

"We are all in shock."

More details from the accident have begun to emerge. Andrew Thomas Gallo, 22, the driver of the van that broadsided the vehicle that Adenhart was riding in, had a suspended license for a previous drunk driving conviction, and preliminary tests indicated that Gallo, who was arrested after fleeing the scene of the crash, had a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit, according to police.

"He lived his dream and was blessed to be part of an organization comprised of such warm, caring, and compassionate people." Adenhart's family said in a statement. "The Angels were his extended family. Thanks to all of Nick's loyal supporters and fans throughout his career. He will always be in everyone's hearts forever."

Just 22, Adenhart was the youngest active-roster player in the majors when he made his debut last May. A highly regarded prospect, he was expected to be a part of the Angels' rotation for years to come, and was thrust into it out of spring training this year following a rash of injuries to other L.A. pitchers.

"Some of the most exciting things about what we share in this game is to see the glow in a young man after he takes this step in his life [to become a major league player]," Scott Boras, Adenhart's agent, said as he tried to hold back tears.

"It's obviously a very difficult moment, but also a very special moment, because Nick's goal was to be a major league pitcher, and he was very accomplished."

More reaction to Adenhart's death:

• "We were shaken and deeply saddened when we learned about the terrible accident that claimed the lives of Nick Adenhart and others. Just hours before the accident, Nick demonstrated his passion for baseball and his prospects for a very bright future when he pitched six scoreless innings for the Angels. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick's family, his teammates, the Angels organization and his many friends and fans; It is very painful to lose a son, a teammate and a friend under these circumstances, and we also extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the other victims of the crash" -- MLBPA executive director Donald Fehr

• "He had his whole life ahead of him. He's only 22, he's still a kid. He was a great kid, he was funny, he was very popular in the clubhouse and off the field. People loved him." -- Angels center fielder Torii Hunter, speaking to ESPN.com.

"Even if you don't know the kid, it crushes you, and I had a great relationship with him. It's devastating. I watched him pitch six innings last night. He came out of the game and I brushed my teeth and went to bed, and I woke up to the phone call." -- Dean Albany, a Maryland-based Orioles scout, speaking with MASNSports.com's Roch Kubatko.

• "One of the highlights of managing for USA Baseball is the opportunity to work with bright, young players who are eager to learn the game. Nick embodied all of those attributes. He was a joy to manage in Cuba and was a key contributor to our success there. This is such a tragedy – his career was just getting started." -- Davey Johnson, who managed Adenhart during Olympic qualifying in 2006.

• "It's almost numbing. Just crushing. As much as we care about baseball, it becomes secondary in a hurry." -- Red Sox manager Terry Francona

• "It just makes me rethink everything that I go through every day. Life is short and it's precious." -- Rays third baseman Evan Longoria

• "I know the guys out there are probably having a real hard time today. From us to the Adenhart family, we express our condolences. It's just an awful -- all of us who have kids -- you know that it's an awful moment. Where the accident occurred is not far from my home. ... I was thinking about it a lot today during the course of the game, and I know the guys are struggling through that out in California. That is beyond my scope. Scioscia's great and Scioscia will handle it as well as anybody possibly could. They'll all hang together. It's a really tight-knit group. They have great ownership. They'll be fine, but it's not easy." -- Rays manager Joe Maddon

• Finally, the Los Angeles Times recaps the Angels' far too lengthy history of tragedy.


Information from the Associated Press used in this report.