will face a team in mourning this weekend. Sadly, they can relate.
The Kansas City Royals held their home opener this week, a traditionally joyous occasion that this year carried a somber tone. The ceremonial first pitch was thrown out by the mother of Yordano Ventura, the Kansas City pitcher killed in a car accident in January.
Eight years ago, the Angels navigated a season without Nick Adenhart, the pitcher killed in a car accident after his first start of the year. If the Angels’ experience is any indication, the Royals could find themselves grieving for some time.