The death of a young person is always tragic, mercilessly cutting short a potentially long life. In the case of the Marlins pitcher, it was a life of fame and glory, still unrealized potential and almost fathomless fun. He brought to baseball an enthusiasm and exuberance that had not been seen since the debut of Willie Mays (in the days before the pastime was turned into big business). This is why his death hurts so much; we mourn not just for the great athlete struck down in his prime but for the uncommon joy that has been taken from the game.
