On The Passing Of Greg Halman
by Jeff Sullivan on Nov 21, 2011 11:04 AM PST
in Seattle Mariners News, Awful
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PrintThe average age of incoming freshmen to national medical schools is 24 years old. The average age of a woman at first childbirth in the US has risen to 25. The average age of a man at first marriage in the US is a little older than 28, while the average age of a woman at first marriage in the US is a little younger than 27. The average age of a first-time home-buyer is 31.
Greg Halman turned 24 years old on August 26th. A short time later, he finished the season in Tacoma with five hits in two games. A few weeks ago, he was one of several players representing Major League Baseball on a tour through Europe. Today he is dead.
***
A week ago, or maybe two weeks ago, I don't know, I was reading an editorial about the Penn State situation, the thesis of which was that the fans and media were completely unprepared to handle a story of such impossible gravity. That everybody just wanted to talk about the players and the games and the irrelevant scandals, and that a story such as the one that broke left everyone speechless and helpless.
Parallels. You and I and all of us are completely unprepared to deal with the news that we've learned. Yesterday we just wanted to talk stupid bullshit about Prince Fielder. The rest of the week, we just wanted to talk stupid bullshit about Prince Fielder. Now Greg Halman has passed away. No one is moving, because no one is sure what to do.
That editorial read as a criticism. When I think about it now, it's not much of one. Who would be prepared? Who could be prepared? There are things worth preparing for, and things beyond the unfathomable.
***
It's insulting the way lives end up getting summarized. It's understandable, of course - to truly capture a life lived would be to tell a story as long as the life itself - but Greg Halman was so much more than an outfield prospect for the Seattle Mariners. He was more than a guy with an age and a dad and statistics. We didn't know a lot of the story, and few people did, but pay attention to the words of everybody who's come out with a statement. To an individual, those who knew Greg, even just a little bit, were struck by his charm, his enthusiasm, his warmth, his infectious smile, which is one of those traits that many ascribe but few truly possess. One senses that Greg wasn't living his life in pursuit of happiness; one senses that Greg was living a life driven by it.
I don't even feel right referring to Greg as a baseball player. Obviously he was a baseball player, and that was how we knew him, but I don't feel right giving him that label, that identity. Still, while "baseball player" wasn't Greg Halman's full identity, it was a part of it, so it's worth noting how much Halman achieved, and what he came to represent. He wasn't just a Mariners prospect on the brink of a big league career. He was the first Dutch-born, Dutch-raised, and Dutch-developed player in Major League history, and from the bottom of Geoff Baker's piece:
[Coach] Chlup said Halman was surprised that so many fans in the Czech Republic seemed to know who he was. Other than Fielder, Chlup said, Halman got the loudest reception of any player introduced to the crowds.
"He knew that, for a lot of Dutch kids, he was the one who got it done.''
Halman was one of the faces of European baseball. In one sense, he was trying to make it. In another sense, he already had.
***
And maybe that's the silver lining here. The story whenever somebody so young passes away is that they were taken before they could live a full life. That should be the story, because we're put here with dreams, and we should all get a chance to achieve them. But while Greg didn't get to live the full life that he wanted, and that his parents wanted of him, the life he did lead was most certainly full in a way that few of us can match.
Greg Halman was born in Haarlem in 1987. He learned four languages. He graduated from college. He signed with the Seattle Mariners in 2004. He represented his country in 2009. He made the Major Leagues in 2010. He hit his first Major League home run in 2011. All the while he comported himself with an eagerness and a joie de vivre sufficient for envy. This is a paragraph summary of Greg Halman's life, and I hate it. I hate that it's insultingly brief, and I hate that it had to be written.
About that home run - Greg Halman hit two home runs, the first of them coming on June 15th, against the Angels. He hit it at home, leading off the bottom of the eighth. Sitting in the stands was Greg Halman's dad. It was Greg's first game as a professional his dad had ever seen.
***
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Wow... that last sentence.
I’m happy you’re here, Jeff.
by zeeehjee on Nov 21, 2011 11:20 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
This is a tough issue to grapple for all of us, and to address it in such a calm but emotive manner is impressive.
But today let us not marvel at the wonder that is Jeff Sullivan, rather let us reminisce at the spectacle that was Greg Halman.
The world lost a great inspiration today; may he rest in peace.
"Satisfaction is the enemy of success." SanFranPreps
by perfectstrat on Nov 21, 2011 11:24 AM PST reply actions 4 recs
Excellent article on a terrible subject
Really hard to even grasp it.
It's terrible
I feel comforted having read this, though. Thanks, Jeff.
The idiot formerly known as pkyankeefan! Now in Technicolour!
by Hasan Paliwala on Nov 21, 2011 11:29 AM PST via mobile reply actions
Next to his dad sat his little brother
They have never been happier and prouder than the moment he hit that homerun
by langer11 on Nov 21, 2011 11:30 AM PST via mobile reply actions 43 recs
Perfect article for an impossible subject
Thanks Jeff, RIP Greg
by OlMuckyTerraHawk on Nov 21, 2011 11:30 AM PST reply actions
Such a sad thing.
For some reason, not even knowing much about him, I liked Greg Halman. Even had him on one of my fantasy teams for a bit. Now that I know more about him I like him even better. To be killed by your brother, if that turns out to be true, is unimaginable. I’m glad to know he had a real impact on kids in Europe who wanted to play baseball. Someday some kid with a Czech accent will stand in front of a microphone after his first major league homer and say, ""I owe it to Greg Halman." Thanks for a great story, Jeff.
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring". ~Rogers Hornsby
One of the best things about sports is that the athletes are real people.
One of the worst things about sports is that the athletes are real people.
...and now I'm here
by CapSea on Nov 21, 2011 11:35 AM PST reply actions 21 recs
Over music being too loud (allegedly).
Wish I could link.
by sofa_king on Nov 21, 2011 11:55 AM PST via mobile reply actions
this sucks....
both of my young daughters who love baseball had several positive interactions with him from our seats at Cheney. He seemed like a good kid.
I really don't even know what to say about the Royals anymore.
by RoyalsFanInMarinerTown on Nov 21, 2011 12:01 PM PST reply actions
For Halman's sake, let's just hope heaven has better dancers.
by SeattleJunkieQueen on Nov 21, 2011 12:11 PM PST reply actions 24 recs
What a smile there.
He will be missed.
2011 Safeco Field Record: 1-0 ; Overall Safeco Field Record: 13-5
by Fin on Nov 21, 2011 12:40 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
The MLB has a nice page up with career highlights
The ones where Dave Niehaus is at the microphone made me cry.
This is a very sad day for his family, teammates and fans.
I always liked him. He had a lot of talent and always seemed excited to live his dream. RIP Greg “Balkan” Halman. You’ll always have a place in my Mariner heart. Sail onwards, we’ll still be here, remembering you.
by sea-townie on Nov 21, 2011 12:25 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
"One senses that Greg wasn't living his life in pursuit of happiness; one senses that Greg was living a life driven by it."
I don’t know if that’s an original statement or conventional hyperbole but it’s one of those statements that would seem contrived when applied anywhere but in just the right spot. This is the right spot and it’s perfect.
I had wished that Greg would be our center fielder until the day that we all own hovercars. Today is a very gray day.
IGNORE ME
I remember watching that game.
Too damn sad for words.
by killmenowthanks on Nov 21, 2011 12:42 PM PST reply actions
I'm still in shock.
What a sad day, my heart truly goes out to his family.
Really threw me off today when I caught this on the news
Just terribly sad. RIP Greg
by Griffin Cooper on Nov 21, 2011 12:50 PM PST reply actions
Living in Central California and being a Mariner's fan,
I frequently go to see Tacoma play in Fresno. Last year I got an autographed ball from Mr. Halman, and he spent a quick minute talking to my family (all dressed in M’s gear). He thanked us for our support and was overall a super nice dude. He made a fan out of all of us, and reading the news this morning had been pretty craptastic.
It's too often that I get swept up in the stat lines and the armchair GM'ing that I forget we're all just flesh and blood in the end
For some people out there Greg Halman was someone’s hero. With such horrible news as this, I immediately regret rarely seeing Halman as anything more than a flawed prospect that struck out too much and would likely never be a quality major league player. Halman is so much more than that, and I’ll remember him for his brilliant smile and for his being a quality human being who happened to play baseball for a living.
We'll miss you Greg.
I’ll always remember Halman starting the season 6 for 7 and thinking he finally broke through.
That was so exciting.
Aaron Curry is the first Seahawk since Walter Jones to have a legitimate shot at Hall of Fame induction - John Morgan
by Fearless Frog on Nov 21, 2011 1:37 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
What a tragedy.
Saw the news on the TV at the gym. Very unexpected and sad :(
Aaron Curry is the first Seahawk since Walter Jones to have a legitimate shot at Hall of Fame induction - John Morgan
by Fearless Frog on Nov 21, 2011 1:37 PM PST via mobile reply actions
I appreciate this article a lot.
I am sorry for Greg’s family, and so sorry for Greg. His life was joyful, even for many people, like me, who had never met him. His passing is tragic. It is surely little consolation that he seemed to live so fully in the time he had, but that is all any of us can do.
by Attractive Nuisance on Nov 21, 2011 1:47 PM PST reply actions
RIP Greg
You were the first prospect I ever truly rooted for. I remember when you came up to the bigs, with wildly unsustainable numbers, and I loved every minute of it. When you slumped, I thought that, no way, this kid has something special, tomorrow is his day. More than anything, I was looking forward to you making the opening day roster this coming season.
And thanks Jeff, this was tremendous. I started reading Lookout Landing for crazy posts about volcanoes, but this really shows off why I stick around.
RIP Flying Dutchman. Won’t be the same without you.
This is awful news. I just heard. RIP, Greg.
Though he wasn’t quite Major League ready, I liked Greg Halman. I remember calling him “All Man” when he got promoted this year. He was a toolsy guy, a player you definitely like having in your system. He seemed like a genuine guy.
Very sad news. My greatest sympathy and condolences and go out to his family.
"Perhaps the worst comment I've ever seen on LL." - sanford_and_son.
by Ride the Apocalypse on Nov 21, 2011 2:07 PM PST reply actions
What a tragedy.
My thoughts are with the Mariners fans and family, and most importantly, the family and friends of Halman.
Great article Jeff.
Greg Halman was a toolsy flawed prospect, who's chances of becoming a regular everyday player in the bigs were not that good.
But Greg Halman was also a player who made it to the big leagues, hit multiple homers there, and in a way immortalized himself by becoming the first Dutch player to accomplish those feats.
He was more successful in his career than only a relative handful of his peers have been throughout history. And that’s something he and his family should be immensely proud of.
Rest in Peace Greg. It’s a damn shame you weren’t given the chance to do more.
Obviously. But I just knew him as a baseball player. So that's how I'm going to remember him.
by Goose on Nov 21, 2011 2:52 PM PST up reply actions 8 recs
It just seems crass to me, right now, to call him a "toolsy flawed prospect"
But I’m sure I’m the only one who feels that way, since your comment is well on the way to becoming green. So never mind.
by Alexandra_5236 on Nov 21, 2011 4:48 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Touching as always Jeff
I first found at work today. I work at the ass-crack of dawn, so the story probably didn’t break until I was at work. Imagine my surprise to hear these people who never talk about baseball saying “hey did you hear the Mariner news?” These people are 110% about the Seahawks, so I knew it had to be something big. I thought for a second that maybe we signed Fielder.
But that wasn’t to be. Instead of exciting me, the news shocked and horrified me. How could this have happened?
I’m lucky I only had about 45 minutes left on my shift after that break, because I was a zombie for that 45 minutes. This is (at least) the fourth time in the last 12 months that death has struck a sport I follow closely, twice now with the Mariners and twice with my other favorite sport, pro cycling. Three active competitors and one indelible franchise legend. It sure isn’t getting any easier.
The memory of Halman that I, and I suspect most of us, will carry forward is that week or so this past season when he could do absolutely nothing wrong. God, that was so much fun. I love the goofy nickname we gave him, because it grew organically and wasn’t just adding a Y to some syllable of his name. I thought for sure we’d see him again in September. Now I really, really wish we had.
I wish we all could have gotten to know him better, even just to the extent that we “know” any ballplayers (Brendan Ryan, Ryan Rowland-Smith) because he had a definite reputation as a good guy. Which, shit, it makes this crime even more unimaginable.
Heaven needed a fifth outfielder. Goodbye, Greg.
by Alexandra_5236 on Nov 21, 2011 2:56 PM PST reply actions 4 recs
Great article. My heart goes out to you guys. This gives me the same anger/ sadness combination I had when we lost Nick Adenhart.
Mike Trout- The Man, The NOW, The Legend
by miketrout on Nov 21, 2011 3:21 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
It's hard...
Because we as fans rarely ever know this person, but we see so much of them on TV, we hear so much of them on the radio, and we read so much about them in print. We feel like we know these people, but during the course of a baseball season we tend to dehumanize them.
For me, during the off season, is when baseball players become human again. I am painfully aware of how difficult it is to uproot a family and move somewhere else, I can share that pain with a person. I can imagine what it’s like to have the only team you’ve known your whole life tell you that they no longer have interest in you, and you should look for employment elsewhere. I can imagine what it is like to feel unwanted, to see the only way of life you have ever known disappear before your eyes. They become people again because it’s easier for me to feel the emotions they are going through.
I’m not entirely sure what I wanted to say except I know that Greg Halman was a person. A person with family, friends, and fans. I always rooted for him to make it, and it still hasn’t quite sunk in that…now…he never will.
I didn’t know Greg Halman but I saw so much of him on TV, heard so much about him on the radio, and we read so much about him in here. I felt like I knew Greg Halman and for me this hurts and I am deeply saddened by his passing. If it hurts for me, the fan who never met this man, then I cannot imagine the pain his family and friends must feel.
Greg pinch hit for Pegeuro in the game I went to during my holiday to the US this year.
Struck out on six pitches, stayed in the game as the left fielder, right in front of the King’s Court where I was sitting.
He never got to make a play in that game, and with as many pictures I took that day, I am really disappointed that I don’t have one of him.
We gave him a greeting when he trotted out in the top of the eighth, and I don’t doubt that we got one of those infectious smiles in return.
June 29, 2011. At that point, he was hitting 353/389/500.
by Aussie Mariner on Nov 21, 2011 3:43 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Horrible, incomprehensible news
Not just a Mariner’s tragedy, a baseball tragedy.
| mumble ¦ mumble ¦ Mathis ¦ mumble ¦ mumble ¦ Hatcher ¦ mumble |
Really cool interview. Respect up for both Halman and Ryan.
M's fan newly relocated to SF My homepage
Superb
Jeff — I have really enjoyed your writing ever since I discovered it a few years ago. Thank you so much for this. I know this must have been agonizing to write, and while you are correct that no small write-up could do a life in full justice, yours is the most moving eulogy of Greg I have read all day. Again, thanks.
I always liked Halman, perhaps unreasonably so.
For some reason I thought that one of these days he would stop striking out and turn into a right-handed Junior. Maybe he never got all the way there, but he had the smile down perfectly.
This is so sad.
I thought Greg was a neat player, I really wish we could have seen if he could hang in the majors. This is such a horrible thing, I hope his family makes it through such a terrible loss.
I feel obligated to post something but I'm speechless
Hope his family can find peace soon after having their son taken away from them.
I met a possum.
This is a sad day in so many ways
A man younger than my son (who is a few weeks older than Felix) has his life snuffed out before it can really start. The Mariners lose a teammate and a friend. We fans lose someone who was always fun to watch. His family’s grief and confusion is beyond my comprehension right now. European baseball loses a role model and ambassador. We had no expectation that Greg Halman would make the Hall of Fame but every expectation that he would be a contributor to society and to baseball for many years to come. And now, instead, silence.
Greg was a tremendous athlete and was still a very young.
It definitely seemed that with some seasoning, he could have been a terrific five tool baseball player in the near future. Imagine what he could have become in the the next few years. It’s a shame we won’t be able to see it now. Mariners lost a good teammate, and friend. Rest in peace, Greg.
RIP
“One senses that Greg wasn’t living his life in pursuit of happiness; one senses that Greg was living a life driven by it.” Spot on, Jeff. We should all try to live like this. That line reminds me of the difference between people who live like life owes them something as opposed to people who live like they owe life something. Greg gave back. Forget if he could’ve made it in the show. He made it in life.
by I'mSureI'veSeenWorse on Nov 21, 2011 10:15 PM PST via mobile reply actions
RIP.
There’s nothing I can say to eulogize Greg that Jeff didn’t say better, but I have a suggestion. I think a tweak to the blog’s text header is in order. How about “We Miss You, Dave and Greg”?
I hope this won't offend...
But we can’t eulogize every organizational death the same way.
In this one and only instance, I would like to see us follow the Yankees.
A patch for a truly recognizable passing (25 yrs+ as face behind the club, 15 yrs+ in uniform) and a black armband worn for anything else that warrants.
It keeps it special, it honors the dead, and it keeps us moving forward without dwelling too heavily on the past.
How far off base am I with this?
Not off base, but
I don’t think you can really make a hard-and-fast rule about things like this; there are too many variables. Let each situation find its own level. In this case, given the way Halman clearly inspired great affection and appreciation in everyone in the organization who knew him, I wouldn’t want to restrict his memorial based on the brevity of his playing career.
Honestly, rather than a patch, I’d like to see a design of that sort somewhere on the CF wall for the season.
by The Ancient Mariner on Nov 22, 2011 4:24 AM PST up reply actions 4 recs
Yeah, I agree that a wall spot would be better than a patch.
Even better would be a Greg Halman day, perhaps his birthday (August 26th). I don’t think it would be too much to ask for the Mariners to all wear #56 for a day.
by ThirteenOfTwo on Nov 22, 2011 11:56 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
So sad, so surreal.
Jeff expressed our collective disbelief and sadness so well, I hesitate to say anything. But I feel compelled to comment, just to somehow make this real.
It doesn’t feel real.
I know it is, I know it intellectually, but I still can’t quite believe it.
It’s not like I ever met him, or even know the first thing about him as a person, other than I was rooting for him as I root for all young kids on the cusp of achieving their dream. But somehow this is really upsetting. Violent death is sadly common. We hear about it every day. So why does this feel so personal? I don’t know. I’m just really sad. It’s a cliche to say “our thoughts and prayers” and all that. But I really am praying tonight. For those people who knew & loved Greg, whoever they are. For Greg himself. And for anyone who has lost a loved one to sudden, violent death. Just so sad.
We'll always have 2001
I don't know what else I can say that hasn't been covered by someone else, but
It’s a damned tragedy that someone so young loses their life especially that way. A father shouldn’t have to bury his son.
Keep smiling in Heaven, Greg. RIP.
Work hard, play harder, rest easy.
Thanks, Jeff.
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