“The Heart of Sports” is a weekly column that curates the stories, pictures and moments that provide a window into the beating heart of sports:
- The tender moments among teammates and fans.
- The thrilling moments from your childhood that you never forget.
- The moments that are far bigger than the game.
It’s why we watch. It’s why we play. It’s the stuff that rises up out of sports and settles down into us.
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This week’s column comes from Major League Baseball. About three weeks ago, 27-year-old Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs was found dead in his hotel room in Texas during a trip to play the Rangers. He is survived by his wife, Carli, who said of Tyler that he was her “forever soulmate, lover, confidant, and best friend.”
These are the types of events that drive home that each of these players are humans, people with lives and family, and people who touch other peoples lives in ways far greater than by playing the sport of baseball. Baseball, of course, is the small part of the player’s lives that most fans are familiar with. But this is a good reminder that its just a small part.
On the field, the Baseball Gods delivered a bit of magic.
“You can’t make this up. This is incredible. We obviously loved him and it’s a very emotional night for all of us.” – Angels OF, Mike Trout
In the home game following his death of Skaggs, a night dedicated to honor and memorialize him, the Angels pitchers combined to throw a no-hitter (and their hitters showed up big-time too), defeating the Mariners 13-0. With each player wearing Skaggs uniform #45, it felt almost like a miracle. It was truly an eerie and beautiful night in baseball.
“That was one of the most special moments I have been a part of on a major league field. Just the way the game went and culminating with a no-hitter. You feel like it’s partly Skaggy’s no-hitter.” – Angels Manager, Brad Ausmus
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Photo Credit: @MLB/Instagram