Los Angeles Angels honor Luis Valbuena at Spring Training
By David Hill
The Los Angeles Angels have made certain that Luis Valbuena’s memory will live on, as they have honored him at Spring Training.
In December, the Los Angeles Angels, and the baseball community at large, suffered an unspeakable tragedy. Both Luis Valbuena and former major leaguer Jose Castillo were killed in a car accident in Venezuela, an accident that was later learned to have been caused as part of a robbery attempt. Four people would end up being charged with suspicion of robbery after stolen goods that had belonged to Valbuena and Castillo were discovered on their persons.
The Angels, for their part, are keeping Valbuena’s memory alive. They have hung his jersey next to one belonging to Nick Adenhart at their Spring Training facility as a tribute to his memory.
From the @Angels photogs:
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 16, 2019
The Angels have now placed Luis Valbuena’s jersey next to Nick Adenhart’s old one in the club’s spring training facility. Valbuena and José Castillo were killed in a robbery in Venezuela in December. pic.twitter.com/yHbJms5LWx
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Over their history, the Angels have seen a great deal of tragedy. Five players – Lymon Bostock, Mike Miley, Chico Ruiz, Dick Wantz, and Adenhart – passed away during their tenure with the franchise. While Valbuena had been let go on August 7, the Angels were the last team he had played for in the majors. His presence was still felt in the clubhouse and amongst his teammates.
Over the course of his 11 year career, Valbuena was a solid utility player with some pop. He produced a lifetime .226/.310/.394 batting line with 114 homers and 169 doubles. At the time of his tragic passing, Valbuena had been plying his trade in the Venezuelan Winter League, looking for an opportunity to return to the majors.
It is possible he would have had that chance, even on a minor league deal. He had produced a solid .278/.415/.490 batting line, hitting seven homers and 11 doubles over his 188 plate appearances when killed. His career, and life, were senselessly cut short just six days after his 33rd birthday.
Angels sign Dan Jennings. dark. Next
The Los Angeles Angels are making sure that Luis Valbuena is remembered. His jersey will remain next to Nick Adenhart’s, a memorial of a player that made an impact upon the clubhouse.