Perhaps the shock was gone. Maybe it was the framed jersey behind the mound, the familiar 45 on it. Maybe it was the impressive memorial graphic to Tyler Skaggs on the outfield wall. Whatever it was, the Angels taking the field in their home park, each player and coach wearing the red 45 jersey of their fallen teammate, made it feel real.
But the announced crowd of over 43,000 was not there to grieve, though we all continue to do so. In a perfectly executed pregame ceremony featuring Skaggs’ family, the tone was set: we were gathered here tonight to celebrate the life of Tyler Skaggs and his spirit.