Reports out of the Dominican Republic within the last hour are that Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura has died in a car accident. He was 25 years old and he will be missed.

The young pitcher had a terrific delivery, a fastball that could challenge anyone’s in the game in terms of both velocity and precociousness. His future was as bright as the sun. He was fun to watch and I cannot help but think of the recent passing of Jose Fernandez. As I search for words, I am left feeling how Max felt just 6 months ago. This sucks.

I have been especially close to death in the last year. Through various life events, I have been left to ponder the meaning of life and the reasons to keep living. How does one articulate the desire to keep living? I was left to go back to hope of a better future, of a better tomorrow and of the good times ahead. The passing of these young stars is so difficult because of how it shakes that fundamental motivation of life.

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