Hello friends, readers and baseball fans. While my blog has typically been reserved for snark commentary and humorous criticism of the sports world, today I shift gears to touch on something that has saddened me and urged me to push for change among my friends.
After hearing about the tragic death of Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart, I was profoundly moved by the influx of e-mails and texts sent to me by friends and family who were also touched by the tragedy. Much of the discussion included the tragic nature of drunk driving.
One friend described the situation as one that "really hits home" because he knows two people whom within the last month were arrested for DUI.
Another friend in Chicago was outraged, calling the accident "100% preventable." And questioned that after something like this, "how could anybody drive drunk?"
A family member, during a discussion on the phone, said it was such "an awful awful thing to hear this about somebody so young."
And the saddest part of all is that all of these people are right. The issue should hit home, because if even YOU don't drink and drive, somebody who does choose to drink and drive could cause an accident that could take away your life or the lives of loved ones. People should be outraged because this is 100% preventable. And it is a crying shame that anyone, especially somebody so young, could be taken so tragically.
I write this entry with a heavy heart and tear-filled eyes. I know in my heart that I have driven drunk in the past. I am sorry to anyone, my parents included. I am ashamed. I vow to never do it again. I can only be grateful that this tragedy was a 'wake-up call' for me and several of my friends, who have also vowed to not drink and drive.
I encourage everyone out there to do the same. Below is the number and some information about a local car service that serves as an excellent alternative to traditional taxi services. To all my friends and family, I urge you to put the number in your phone and use it. And as always, if you know can't drive, ASK THE BARTENDER. Almost every bar in town has a cab service telephone number at hand that they will call for you.
As the silver lining of this tragedy, become one us ... BFADD (Baseball fans against drunk driving.) Cheesy I know, but perhaps you won't feel that way knowing that you made the right choice to not drink and drive and instead became part of something to prevent these senseless tragedies.
For anybody who saw the Angels game in dedication to Adenhart, you know how emotional it was. Players, one by one, ran out to the newly designed outfield wall where an image of Adenhart is displayed, to pay their respects. What really choked me up, was see two Angels plays holding Adenhart's jersey during the national anthem (pictured above). I was touched to see the shrine the fans built outside the stadium in memory of Adenhart.
Please please please I ask everyone to do their part to make sure that next time it isn't you or someone you love who is being mourned.
In closing, I would like to say that my heart and blessings go out to the families of Adenhart and the other two young men killed in that tragic accident, as well as anybody else who has lost a loved one as a result of drunk driving.
And to all the fans, broadcasters and my friends who gave this story umph, I thank you too for being a part of change for the better. God bless. My new motto in light of this incident: 'GET DRUNK! GET A CAB!'
FOR ANY LOCALS (MARIETTA/ATLANTA) HERE IS NUMBER AND SOME INFO OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED CAB SERVICE.
Company: Metro Cab Service
Info: Unlike most taxi services, Metro brings two drivers to each pickup. One driver drives you home in YOUR car, while the other follows. This is great for those of you, who like me, prefer to wake up the next morning knowing you have your car.
Cost: Metro charges $20 for the pickup and then standard cab fare per mile. It seems expensive, but it's totally worth it!
Phone: 770-507-3332
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