As sports fans we sometimes take away the human element to a sporting event. We are quick to boo someone who may not make a play, go on social media and blast a player for being in a slump. We seem to forget; athletes are regular people just like us. They hurt just as we do in everyday life situations. Imagine going to work everyday and your boss telling you how much you suck or are overpaid, makes you not want to go in anymore. The passing of Tyler Skaggs reminded us of the humanity of our idols.
Last night the Angels had their first home game since the passing of Tyler Skaggs. Skaggs passed away at the age 27 on July 1st. Last night the Angels threw a combined no hitter. You could tell with atmosphere in the stadium it was going to be a special night.
Debbie Skaggs: Tyler’s Mom
I had heard a story about Debbie Skaggs being influential in Tyler’s life including being Tyler’s pitching coach during his youth. With Angels fans standing, and players wearing jerseys with Skaggs name on the back and the #45, in honor of their close friend and teammate, Debbie Skaggs came to the mound, with her son in mind, and delivered an emotional first pitch.
The Angels Players:The Defensive Side
Now the team had a big task to complete after that perfect first pitch. Boy did they come through! Taylor Cole started the game and went perfect for two innings, striking out two batters. Felix Peña replaced him in the third, Peña walked one batter, struck out six and did not allow any hits through his seven-inning outing—a performance that you know Tyler was on his shoulder for.
In the sixth inning, rookie third baseman Matt Thaiss made a beautiful diving stop to preserve what Cole and Peña started.
This was the 11th no-hitter in franchise history. Ironically, No. 11 was the number Skaggs wore as pitcher on his high school baseball team. Cole told reporters that it was a performance inspired by what the team had seen before the game even began.
The Angels Players: Offensive Side
On the offensive side, the knew they had to come through for the efforts of the defense and pitching, and for their fallen teammate. Angels scored seven runs in the first inning,which included a two-run homer and two-run double from my favorite MLB player Mike Trout. Trout’s homer came on the first pitch of his at-bat and went 454 feet.
In 2009 Trout, who was drafted alongside Skaggs, said after the game that the team’s offensive performance ended up being an unlikely additional tribute to Tyler Skaggs with the Angels scoring seven in the first, and 13 total. This happens to be the two numbers that make up the pitcher’s birthday: 7/13.
“It’s just stuff you can’t make up,” said Trout. “Tonight, was in honor of him, and he was definitely looking over us tonight. He’s probably up there saying we’re nasty and just what an unbelievable game to be a part of. I’m speechless. This is the best way possible to honor him. It was pretty crazy.”
The Final Tribute for Tyler Skaggs:
The Angel’s players had no idea of how all the numbers would align for their fallen friend. All the stats in the game to be connected to Skaggs one way or another. To see the Angel’s dugout empty out in celebration still raises the hair on my body. I have watched it several times already, and feel sad and happy at the same time for these guys. The tribute to their fallen teammate. The image still remains in my head of the players taking off their jerseys and leaving them on the mound. The final touching, in-game tribute at the pitcher’s mound where their friend and teammate once stood.
After the cheers, this was a particularly somber moment as almost everyone in an Angels uniform took off their jerseys and laid them out on the pitcher’s mound in a touching final in-game tribute for Tyler Skaggs.
Sometimes the stars just align perfectly, and someone we love and care for is still with us.
Follow me on twitter@philliesfanja
Facebook- John Armato- Belly Up Sports
