Kansas City Royals: Reaction to Death of Yordano Ventura
Tragic news surfaced on Sunday morning when it was announced that Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Yordano Ventura had been killed in a car crash in the Dominican Republic.
I woke up Sunday morning excited for what the day had in store. I was going to have lunch with a friend from college and then watch the NFL Championship games for the rest of the day.
Instead, I was sick to my stomach when I stumbled upon the news that KC Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura had passed away at the age of 25. Ventura was involved in a car wreck in the Dominican Republic.
When I first saw the news, I immediately jumped to that it had to be a joke. This couldn’t be happening. Ventura was a young guy with so much potential and couldn’t be leaving us so soon.
Sadly though, it was indeed true. Ventura had died in a car wreck and the Kansas City Royals had lost one of their family members way too soon. It was truly heartbreaking, especially when you consider that Ventura was only 25 and would have been entering his fifth major league season.
There were a lot of untold parts to Ventura’s story and now we’ll never see the ending. I still don’t think I’ve processed the news to be quite honest and I’m sure Kansas City Royals fans feel the same way.
I was heartbroken when Jose Fernandez died last summer in a boating accident and when I heard the news about Ventura, the tears started to flow. Yordano Ventura was taken at such a young age and this is just awful for the Royals, Kansas City, and Major League Baseball.
Even now when I Googled his name and saw the date of his death listed on the righthand side, it still doesn’t seem real. I wish it wasn’t real.
Fans gathered at Kauffman Stadium on Sunday along with Christian Colon and Danny Duffy to mourn the loss of Ventura. Colon and Duffy were seen hugging fans and consoling them, which makes me even prouder to be a fan of this team.
Danny Duffy & Christian Colon leaving flowers at the memorial for #Yordano #Royals #RIPYordano pic.twitter.com/IC27A3lZ19
— Stephanie 💙 (@sleith9806) January 22, 2017
Somber scene at Kauffman Stadium as fans come to mourn the loss of their Ace. pic.twitter.com/da47HtoyMF
— MLB (@MLB) January 22, 2017
Ventura’s four-year career saw him go 38-31, post a 3.89 ERA, pitch 547.2 innings, and strike out 470 batters. He had some great moments during his short career, including a seven-inning shutout of the Giants in Game 6 of the 2014 World Series that forced a winner-take-all Game 7.
That moment made Yordano Ventura Forever Royal and he’ll be watching over his guys this season and guiding them to another playoff berth.
The news affected everyone from MLB players, fans, and analysts. Ventura impacted a lot of people during his 25 years on this Earth.
Kansas City remembers Yordano Ventura. pic.twitter.com/53nIFm64Hv
— MLB (@MLB) January 23, 2017
RIP Yordano Ventura. Damn. Just horrible.
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) January 22, 2017
At times I feel I shouldn't be so sad about a man I never personally met, but some of my life's best memories include my family watching him
— 🇺🇦 Девід 🇺🇸 - Pine Tar Guy (@Royalfan83) January 22, 2017
Gone way to soon. You will forever be my brother. My prayers are with you and your family. May you rest with the Lord now. #ripACE pic.twitter.com/IMa7jJw7dv
— Drew Butera (@drewbutera) January 22, 2017
Speachless right now. The world lost a great teammate and competitor today. You will be missed Yordano Ventura. Rest In Peace ACE
— Brooks Pounders (@BrooksPounders) January 22, 2017
When you scroll down and your whole newsfeed is talking about your brother. The impact the energy you brought to our team. #GoneTooSoon #ACE
— Terrance Gore (@TGO7E) January 22, 2017
I want to share more detailed memories later but what will forever remain etched in my mind is the smile of Yordano Ventura. #RIPAce
— Joel Goldberg (@goldbergkc) January 22, 2017
Devastated by the news of Yordano Ventura's passing. Loved that kid. So fun, young, and full of life. Too young. Prayers for his family.
— Raúl Ibañez (@RaulIbanezMLB) January 22, 2017
Yordano Ventura was one of the most electrifying young pitchers in all of Major League Baseball and he will be missed. He’ll be remembered in all of our hearts and will always be Forever Royal.
Rest in peace, Ace. We’re gonna miss you.