Call to the pen
Fansided

Washington Nationals bullpen literally responsible for death

By Jason Burke

May 19, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; A Washington Nationals hat and glove on the bench during a game against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; A Washington Nationals hat and glove on the bench during a game against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ok, maybe I don’t know exactly how to use the word “literally” but a recently passed Washington Nationals fan took one last swipe at his favorite baseball team and their shoddy bullpen.

Patrick Killebrew, 68, passed away on June 20, and in the Richmond Times, he took the time to call out the Washington Nationals in his farewell to the world. The entire obituary reads as follows:

"KILLEBREW, Patrick, “Pat,” age 68, passed away peacefully at home, June 20, 2017, after watching the Washington Nationals relief pitchers blow yet another lead. Beloved father and husband, longtime attorney, former U.S. Navy Navigator and avid baseball fan and player. Join in a celebration of his life July 2, 6 to 8 p.m., at the SCA Clubhouse, 9601 Redbridge Rd., 23236. In lieu of flowers, send “donations” to the “Nationals Bullpen Fund.”"

Now it has been awhile since I’ve played Clue, but it sure sounds as though Mr. Killebrew was leaving some breadcrumbs to the murder weapon. It’s also noted that he passed on the 20th, and the day before the Nats bullpen did in fact blow a lead which lead to a walk-off loss in Miami after a shaky start from Tanner Roark. Coincidence?

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In all seriousness, this is an amazing way to encapsulate who you are in such a limited space. Mr. Killebrew obviously loved his Nationals, but like any true Nats fan, the bullpen had to be tough to watch night in and night out.

As for the “Nationals Bullpen Fund” there is a good chance that Mr. Killebrew will be getting his wish at some point this season. There have been numerous rumors linking the Nationals to both established closers and middle to late-inning relief options coming out for a while now. At some point ahead of the trade deadline they’ll be making a play to vastly improve their bullpen options to make a late October push.

Next: Has Joe Ross turned a corner?

Even in his passing, he brought some lightheartedness to the baseball community, which shows a lot about the man that he was. Rest in peace, sir.

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