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.”
