Baseball Is Just a Game

I have uttered the word hate a lot in my passion for sports and the teams I root for. I admit it.

I hate the Yankees. I hate the Astros. I hate the Redskins. I hate the Eagles. I hate the Heat. I hate the Cardinals. I hate the Blues, and yes,……. I hate the Angels. There are also many other teams.

It has been a long time since I have said that I hate an individual. That’s because I refuse to hate an individual, no matter their transgressions towards me or my family. However, today and for the foreseeable future, I love the Angels.

I was on pins and needles when Levi Weaver reported something big was happening in Arlington yesterday. The Rangers had announced that Shelby Miller was being designated for assignment. Then in an abrupt turn of events, the clubhouse was closed and all media were asked to leave. This led to some speculation that perhaps other moves were on the horizon. Could there be a trade? Was someone else being sent down or let go? J.C. Carrillo and I were discussing possibilities.

It wasn’t long after all the speculation that word came down. The Angels were getting on a bus and heading back to the hotel. There was a death of someone in the Angels organization. That, someone, turned out to be 27-year-old left-handed pitcher Tyler Skaggs.

Baseball is just a game.

I am a Christian man. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins. I believe that if Tyler Skaggs believes what I do, he is sitting with Christ as I write this. Now, I am not asking you to believe in God or pray for anyone. That is a personal choice and far be it for me or anyone to judge a person’s beliefs. But the biggest thing to come out of all of this is that a young man lost his life far before he should have. Details of his passing are not clear. Suicide and foul play are being ruled out. No matter your religion, beliefs or nonbeliefs, your thoughts need to be on a young widow and a team you may not like.

Let’s all turn our attention away from how bad any player is playing. Now isn’t the time to wish someone would be DFA’d or sent to the minors. Let’s not hope for trade or slump to end. Now is the time to remember that baseball is just a game.

I personally would like to convey my deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of Tyler Skaggs and the entire Angels organization.

Featured Image: Getty