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There is nothing to say here that won't be pithy and trite. I knew of Victor Sanchez only in name and even then only in the vague, makes my heart skip a beat thinking about a future version of my baseball team kind of way. He was 20. Barely 20. The Mariners statement:
It is with sadness we share that minor leaguer Victor Sanchez has passed away. Our deepest condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/DWidXIrCDG
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 29, 2015
Expressions of grief are also pouring in from across all levels of the organization:
Mis mas sentidas condolencias para la familia Sánchez Que mi Dios lo tenga en su santa gloria y a… https://t.co/DoLeupSv0H
— Felix Hernandez (@RealKingFelix) March 29, 2015
We lost a teammate but lost an even better person with the passing of Victor Sanchez tonight. Your memory will live on forever in my heart
— Patrick Kivlehan (@PatrickKivlehan) March 29, 2015
My heart literally breaks for the Victor Sanchez's family. He was apart of our @Mariners family and please keep his family in your prayers!
— Logan Bawcom (@LoganBawcom) March 29, 2015
Prayers for Victor Sanchez family and friends. Was a real good player and a great friend. Going to be missed #RIP
— Taijuan Walker (@tai_walker) March 29, 2015
My prayers go out to the family of victor Sanchez I will always remember you! R.I.P. Big man
— D.J. Peterson (@godj33) March 29, 2015
It's not surprising that shortly after Sanchez' accident Larry Stone of the Seattle Times put together an excellent article on Sanchez. The glowing reports on the kid are heartbreaking, given tonight's news:
"He didn’t say much; he was really a quiet, reserved kid, but he was really, really smart,’’ Menchaca added. "He was advanced for his age in every aspect. Especially away from the field, in his personal life. It seems like he had a good direction. He had an idea of what he was trying to do with his life and where he wanted to go."
My heart goes out to Sanchez' family. What meaningless thoughts from a person they've never known and most likely never will. A life is much more than what we see and now his is gone, and far too soon.
On July 17, 2013 18 year old Victor Sanchez threw a no-hitter for the Clinton LumberKings. His mother was in the stands, her first time watching him pitch as a professional.
RIP young man.