Angels Pitcher Adenhart Killed in Crash

Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart died Thursday in a car crash, according to the Associated Press. Adenhart, 22, was one of three people killed when a minivan ran a red light, hitting two cars. A fourth victim remains in critical condition at the University of California Irvine Medical Center.

According to authorities the driver fled the scene but was captured and arrested a short time later. He is charged with a felony hit-and-run.

Adenhart had pitched six shutout innings against the Oakland Athletics in his season debut Wednesday night. According to the Angels website, Adenhart was the No. 3 starter in the rotation.

The death of Nick Adenhart brings back memories of the deaths of other baseball players killed tragically young.

Cory Lidle (1972-2006)

Cory Lidle was only 34 when the plane he was flying crashed into a New York City residential building on October 11, 2006, according to ESPN.com. The Yankees pitcher and his flight instructor, Tyler Stanger, were both killed. Since the plane had dual controls, it could not be determined who was flying at the time of the crash.

The Yankees had acquired Lidle over the summer from the Philadelphia Phillies. He had been a started, but had been relegated to the bullpen during the 2006 postseason in which the Yankees made a quick exit after losing to the Detroit Tigers.

Josh Hancock (1978-2007)

Josh Hancock was a relief pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals when he died on April 29, 2007. Hancock had been traveling in St. Louis when his car slammed into the back of a flatbed tow truck. According to ESPN.com, police determined that Hancock had been under the influence of alcohol and had marijuana in his possession at the time of his death.

It was the second time in five years that the Cardinals had to mourn the loss of a player. Darryl Kile, also a pitcher, died of a coronary artery blockage in 2002.

Roberto Clemente (1934-1972)

Roberto Clemente was a right fielder for Pittsburgh, playing eighteen seasons. He was killed when his plane crashed on its way to Nicaragua to deliver relief to earthquake victims. His body was never recovered. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1973.

In 1973 Major League Baseball started the Roberto Clemente award, given to a player who best exemplifies the game of baseball and community involvement. The award is traditionally given out before game 3 of the World Series.

"Angels pitcher Adenhart, 22, killed in car crash" Fox Sports News

"Angels Adenhart killed in accident" Angels website

"Lidle dies after plane crashed into high-rise" ESPN.com

"Police: Hancock was drunk, had marijuana in car" ESPN.com

"Pujols wins Clemente Award" Major League Baseball