One of the top pitching prospects in the MLB, Nick Adenhart looked like he would be a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Angels starting rotation for years to come.
Initially projected to be a first round pick, Adenhart suffered a partially torn ligament in his elbow in his final start in high school. Falling to the 14th round, he signed with the Angels and quickly made his way up through the ranks. Not only was he one of the Angels top prospects, but Baseball America considered him a top 100 prospect in baseball from 2006 through 2009.
Adenhart made his debut in 2008, appearing in three games for the Angels early in the season. He posted a 1-0 record, although he had a 9.00 ERA and a 2.583 WHiP. In 12 innings that year, he allowed 18 hits and 13 walks, striking out four batters. After being sent back to the minors, he won a spot in the Angels rotation out of Spring Training, and in his first start of the year, pitched six shutout innings. Adenhart appeared ready to be a key piece of the Angels rotation.
Unfortunately, just hours after that outing, Adenhart would be killed. A red minivan ran a red light, and broadsided the car that Adenhart was a passenger in, sending it into a telephone pole. He was rushed to the hospital with another passenger, and succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the minivan, who fled on foot, had a 0.19 blood alcohol content and a suspended license. He was later sentenced to 51 years in prison.
The Angels honored their young pitcher by creating the Nick Adenhart Pitcher of the Year award, given each season to the best pitcher on the team. A bronze statue of Adenhart is in display in the Angels trophy case, with smaller versions given out as the award. A memorial fund was also created, designed to provide funds for struggling youth baseball organizations.