One year

            Relentless. Fiery. Temperamental. World Series Champion. Ace. All of these words can be used to describe Yordano Ventura who died in a car accident on January 22, 2017 at the age of 26. The young pitcher quickly earned the starting pitcher role for the Kansas City Royals. Opponents despised seeing him on the mound. Royals fans made him a family member even if they had never personally met him.

            The pitcher from the Dominican Republic was one of the most beloved players to ever wear “Royals” across his chest. His passion for the game went far beyond the money he earned from a contract. His pitching is one of the big reasons why the Royals made it to the World Series two years in a row and win it the second time around.

            Ace was the nickname given to him and let’s be honest, that was really the only appropriate nickname he could have been given. The man was an absolute ace on the mound. He could get anybody he wanted out using his 100mph fastball. The little whip he did with his arm and leg after every pitch was his signature pinpoint.

            Winning the World Series was the best thing that could have happened for Ventura. It showed that he was still young and had stuff he needed to learn but also proved that he had what it took to be a franchise starting pitcher. Yes, Ventura had plenty of moments that could have been better off without. If we’re going to be honest, Ventura probably could have done better controlling his temper but that’s what the fans and teammates loved about him. His passion.

            Although it’s been one year since his death, Royals fans everywhere still remember him like he was at the kitchen table only last night. To say one could only remember him for his good times would be wrong. You can’t remember Ventura without remembering his highs and lows. His good and bads. His “ooohhh baby we go to the World Series again. Oohh baby.”