It was utterly heartwarming emotions, felt throughout Angel Stadium after the Los Angeles Angels clinched the AL West division, which has turned into an usual trait in prior years.
But there was a slight difference this time when a celebration erupted near the mound. They gathered and jumped as if they were children playing a little league game with no implications.
As a result, it had many implications and meaningful triumph, to whereas the Angels were exuding jubilance on a glorious night. More specifically, divisional achievements symbolized honor for a respectful kid who departed prematurely and tragically.
In front of a loud crowd wearing seas of red, the Angels were angling to sustain another division title, emotionally reflecting back on a shocking tragedy that left teammates numb, stunned and speechless.
When the last out was finalized on Monday night, the Angels paid tribute to the late Nick Adenhart. The 22-year old pitcher was killed when a drunk driver by the name of Andrew Gallo allegedly ran a red light in a mini-van and struck Adenhart in a Mitsubishi with four others.
He fled the scene, after committing tragic murder that shocked and disheartened the baseball world. From executives, players, and fans that were attached and dedicated to the game, they mourned Adenhart’s death for a brief moment until they grasped reality and moved on playing the game they relished.
Back in April, reportedly, Gallo was driving with a suspended license on a previous DUI arrest. The 22-year old was charged on three murder counts, causing disturbed calamity that took time for recovery.
But now, the Halos understand that Adenhart is staring down and wearing a smile. It’s tough whenever a team assembles a bonding relationship. But mostly, it’s surreal until reality somberly emanates distress that emotionally disturbs player’s psyche and productivity.
For the Halos, however, they persisted to thrive simply in honor of Adenhart. Of course, they’ve desired winning the pennant in previous seasons, but this year, they planned deeply to win it all. Not only will it pacify devoted Angels’ fans, but it will appease Nick’s family as well. It’s also touching when a team copes through adversity, inspirationally harmonizing as a team and evolving into legitimate postseason favorites.
It obviously felt like bonding was closer than ever and now winning seems highly regarded in October. Considering Adenhart left indelible perceptions on teammates, not only for his lush pitching, but for his distinctive nature, teammates had grown accustomed to. His personality was endearing and respected by teammates, coaching staff and even spirited fans as much as his talented throwing arm was greatly cherished.
But the Angels ultimate accomplishment remains, if they plan to win it all. Although the entire team celebrated like a team does when it wins the pennant, they still have to play well in the postseason and vanquish fiascoes in the fall.
Certainly, Adenhart’s memories still lives in the minds and hearts, encouraging the Angels to meet challenges and finish the decade with presumably their second title in franchise history.
On all joyful nights, Monday was inspirational and Adenhart was remembered through gratifying messages and memories. During a celebration, an elated gathering formed inside the clubhouse, players changed into their AL West championship T-shirts, popped the corks off the champagne, flipped on the goggles, started spraying all over each other and drenched Adenhart’s jersey as if he was standing there embracing glorious moments.
Guys like Chone Figgins, Torii Hunter and reliever Kevin Jepsen, were in the mix, pouring most of the beer and champagne down jersey No. 34. Together, they celebrated as humbled individuals with pride, sharing the moment with the lost of a close friend and teammate.
Shortly after, the players perpetuated a glorious clubhouse party and trotted to center field and touched Adenhart’s memorial image on the wall, emotionally remembering him during the journey.
If there’s an inspiring tale that could interrupt postseason failures, the remembrance of Adenhart is good to meet an agenda. Times are more sensible, and since his death, they’ve rekindled a sense of urgency. For now, the Angels are perceived as an illusion, but it might not be false details, considering they're taking a different approach.
Rather than an early exit, they’re seriously aiming for a title. Rather than extending an impoverished track record with losses, they’re aiming to increase the number of victories. First, they’ll likely have to meet a challenge with archenemies the Boston Red Sox.
An 11-0 victory on Monday over the Texas Rangers is meaningless, if the Angels fail in the postseason and collapse possibly costing them another chance at a title. Entering his sixth trip to the postseason in 10 seasons with the franchise, Mike Scioscia acknowledged the magnitude of a playoff appearance, and clearly knows what they’ll encounter against the menacing Red Sox, who has simply pulverized the Angels in postseason matchups.
But either way, that is, they are together as one. As the postseason is one week away, they consist of spiritual and inspirational beliefs, which might emotionally take them on an unthinkable journey.
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