The Los Angeles Angels had to do what must have seemed like the impossible Tuesday in Arlington, Texas – play a game of baseball the day after their friend and teammate, Tyler Skaggs, shockingly passed away just 12 days before his 28th birthday.
Prior to taking the field, the Angels and Rangers held an emotional moment of silence for Skaggs, who was found dead in his hotel room hours before Monday’s game, which was immediately postponed.
Skaggs, a left-handed pitcher who was beloved by everyone he ever came in contact with, will be dearly missed by so many people, but especially those who he suited up with every day in the Angels’ locker room.
Angels manager Brad Ausmus spoke before the game about the importance of getting back on the field. From USA Today Sports:
“A lot of problems go away when the first pitch is thrown until the last pitch is thrown,” Eppler said in a press conference alongside Moreno, manager Billy Ausmus and president John Carpino. “These guys will be there fighting for each other, with Tyler weighing heavy on their hearts tonight, I can tell you that.”
Ausmus echoed the sentiment, noting the game was “actually a refuge because it takes your mind off it, distracts you for a little while.
“When you go back to your hotel room, you’re reminded of reality. But it helped me get away. Today’s one of the hardest days.”
The Rangers added this nice gesture on the pitcher’s mound:
They will also be making a nice donation from tonight’s 50/50 raffle:
What a tough night this must be for the Angels.
RIP, Tyler Skaggs.
