"He had a bright future. He was going to be good for years, you could just tell," Sarfate said before the Orioles' game Thursday. "My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, and it's one of those things that hits home, and you just kind of want to go home and hang out for the day with your family just to get them close. It's sad."
Adenhart's rise with the Angels reflected his faith in the team and the team's faith in modern medicine. As a senior at Williamsport in 2004, Adenhart was projected to be one of the top picks in baseball's annual draft, which would have made him an instant millionaire.
However, two weeks before the draft, Adenhart suffered an elbow injury so severe that reconstructive surgery was required. The Angels picked him anyway, in the 14th round. At that point, Adenhart had planned to have the operation, then play in college after rehabilitation and rebuild his status as a prospect.
But the Angels, confident in the success of Tommy John surgery, persuaded Adenhart to sign with them and rehabilitate under their care. They convinced him in part with a $710,000 signing bonus.
Adenhart is survived by his father, Jim, and mother, Janet. His family released a statement:
"Nick's family expresses sincere gratitude for all the help the Angels have provided. He lived his dream and was blessed to be part of an organization comprised of such warm, caring, and compassionate people. The Angels were his extended family. Thanks to all of Nick's loyal supporters and fans throughout his career. He will always be in everyone's hearts forever."
His career major league statistics will show four starts, one win and a 6.00 ERA. But to his friends, he will be remembered for more than his athletic ability.
"I've been getting calls all day from guys who me and Nick played with and against," Warrenfeltz said. "The first question is always, 'Is it true?' It's surreal. It doesn't seem like it could've happened."
Baltimore Sun reporters Dan Connolly and Peter Schmuck and the Los Angeles Times contributed to this report.
