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Josh Hancock killed in car crash

this brings back terrible memories. my thoughts go out to his family and the team. unbeleivable that this can happen to the cardinals again. he was killed in a car crash last night. the game has been postponed. this is just unreal.

official release from the team:

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals were informed this morning by the St. Louis Police Department of the tragic death of pitcher Josh Hancock, 29, who was killed in an auto accident on westbound Highway 64/40 within the city limits.

Cardinals' Manager Tony La Russa informed Josh's father of this tragic event. Major League Baseball representatives have also been notified and tonight's 7:05 p.m. game with the Chicago Cubs has been postponed.

The Cardinals ask that all fans join the team in offering their prayers and condolences to Josh Hancock's family on this very sad day for the Cardinals and Major League Baseball.

as reported in the post-dispatch: Hancock's Ford Explorer slammed into the rear of a tow truck that was parked in the far left westbound lane shortly after 12:30 a.m.

Hancock, 29, was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Ugh.
RIP, Josh.  You did your job well.

by Valatan on Apr 29, 2007 11:28 AM EDT   0 recs

oh my lord
prayers to the Hancock family.  I was a big fan of him ever since we stole him from cincinnati.  I was glad he was a Cardinal.  This is plain awful, awful, awful news.  

RIP Josh, you will be sorely missed.

by bretsyboo on Apr 29, 2007 11:32 AM EDT   0 recs

peace
[bows head]

by lboros on Apr 29, 2007 11:33 AM EDT   0 recs

Josh earned a WS ring and deserved better
A terrible loss, to his family, friends, and fans.
Postponing the game was the right thing to do.
Fan for Life. Go Cards.

by Birds on the Bat on Apr 29, 2007 11:36 AM EDT   0 recs

very unfortunate.
while looking for news on this earlier this a.m., i found this post dispatch article.  it mentions how, ever since DK died,  the whole team is on eggshells  when players show up late.  pretty ironic.

thanks for the hard work josh.

i blame the cubs...

by Vince Coleman Firecrackers on Apr 29, 2007 11:37 AM EDT   0 recs

How ironic
the Cubs tangent relationship in both cases.

by RedbirdRay on Apr 29, 2007 11:39 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

RIP
This is terrible.  I hope everyone who does such things prays for him, his family and the team.

I heard about him being late the otherday this morning too.
I hope everything was going alright with him and he wasnt having personal problems or anything.

RIP Josh.

by jealousblues on Apr 29, 2007 12:20 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Please...
I know you're kidding, but please no more Cubs smack. They're being as kind and classy as I hope we would all be to them in a tragedy like this. Sorry, but I'm not in a humor for even mild kidding around right now. The rivalry that was so important to me yesterday is absolutely meaningless today. Thanks to you Cub fans who feel the same way and have come here in peace and humility. Your condolences mean a lot to most of us. RIP Josh.

by rockin redbird on Apr 29, 2007 12:41 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

please...
some of us look for humor in these situations.  the cubs shot was an absolute joke.  i agree, they have been classy, and were extremely classy re: DK.  sorry if this offends you or any cubs fan out there.  

by Vince Coleman Firecrackers on Apr 29, 2007 4:25 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

there is no humor
in this situation

by lboros on Apr 29, 2007 5:30 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

i agree...
 but humor can be used to deal with things, and i really don't think it's anyone's place to disagree with that. if you think i found the whole situation funny, you've misinterpreted.   apologize if anyone was offended.  

by Vince Coleman Firecrackers on Apr 29, 2007 6:25 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

bah
i was hoping hancock might get a chance to start a few games this year, with carpenter hurtin and our young guys working to find consistency out there. josh was versatile and would have come in handy.  

you will be missed sir.

this is awful news

by Rentboy on Apr 29, 2007 11:40 AM EDT   0 recs

Strange article
I remember reading that and hoping that nothing like the DK incident would happen again.  Unfortunately, it has.

I find it weird that I'm personalizing this so much.  It's not like I know him personally, but I guess after following the team so closely for the last 17+ years, it's hard not to.

by Fro Jackson on Apr 29, 2007 11:42 AM EDT   0 recs

Eerie
Yes, I remember that article and how it brought back memories of Daryl. This is a horrible tragedy to be sure, but DK's death hit me pretty hard as he had small children and was my age when he passed.

A sad day, to be sure. RIP MR. Hancock.

by roebirds on Apr 29, 2007 12:18 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I feel sick
RIP, Josh. You'll be sorely missed.

by player2bnamedl8r on Apr 29, 2007 11:42 AM EDT   0 recs

Just terrible
Yesterday I was worried about how poorly this team had been playing this year, about the offense, about Carpenter's elbow.

Something like this makes all that other stuff not seem so important anymore...

by birdjam on Apr 29, 2007 11:44 AM EDT   0 recs

Well put..
Once again, the "real" world jumps up and smacks us right in the face.
Baseball?  Meh...

by cardsrul on Apr 29, 2007 11:51 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

+1....
.  I cannot add anything to that.  

by Brock20 on Apr 29, 2007 12:01 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

amen.

by gentry13 on Apr 29, 2007 12:29 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Amen
RIP Josh Hancock
Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 29, 2007 4:31 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Condolences
It's times like these when rivalries should be put aside and the human nature of side of things take over. To all concerned, as a die hard Cub fan and a human being, please accept my deepest condolences over your loss.

God bless you, Josh Hancock.

by Beercub on Apr 29, 2007 11:50 AM EDT   0 recs

Our Heartfelt Condolences
to the Hancock Family and the entire Cardinals Nation, from the Cubs fans at "In a League Of Her Own."

RIP, Josh.

by cubbiejulie on Apr 29, 2007 11:52 AM EDT   0 recs

From stltoday.com
Hancock's Ford Explorer slammed into the rear of a tow truck that was parked in the far left westbound lane shortly after 12:30 a.m.  The tow truck driver, who was seated in the vehicle at the time, was unhurt.

He told police that his emergency lights were on, and that he honked his horn when he saw the Explorer approaching in his rear view mirror, but that the Exploer didn't slow down or swerve to avoid the collision.

At the time of the accident, the tow truck driver was assisting a motorist from an earlier accident.

by Fro Jackson on Apr 29, 2007 11:54 AM EDT   0 recs

Horrible
My prayers are with him and his family.

RIP Josh.

by Zubin on Apr 29, 2007 11:55 AM EDT   0 recs

peace to you Josh
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now.

by theguuch99 on Apr 29, 2007 11:55 AM EDT   0 recs

wow
From 4/26/07 -
http://yourenotagolfer.mlblogs.com/obviously_youre_not_a_gol/2007/04/brutal_timing.html
* Hancock was late arriving at the park, to the point that it worried some of his teammates, but he did show.

The first thing I thought was "How terribly foreboding that note looks now", from Thursday's game.

RIP, Josh. We will miss you.

by lookit55 on Apr 29, 2007 11:57 AM EDT   0 recs

my thoughts exactly.
That is just eerie. Chills.

by effin fisk on Apr 29, 2007 1:13 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

From a Cubs fan...
... my heart goes out to Josh's family, his teammates, and all Cardinals fans on this terrible tragedy.

My heartfelt thoughts and condolences to all who have been affected by this tragic accident. In times like this, we aren't rivals, we all stand together as baseball fans and as human beings.

 -- Al from Bleed Cubbie Blue

by Al on Apr 29, 2007 12:01 PM EDT   0 recs

Al, thanks...
it means a lot.

by cardsrul on Apr 29, 2007 12:36 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

thx
we appreciate it
Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 29, 2007 4:35 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I try thinking
of who JH's closest friends were on the team, and I can't really say. You would think maybe TJ and Dunc and the other guys he bounced back and forth to Memphis with...tragic for all involved.

I think maybe all our on-field grousing will be a wee bit more tempered for a while. RIP.

"I don't believe what I just saw!" ~ Jack Buck

by itsalemmon1019 on Apr 29, 2007 12:05 PM EDT   0 recs

suppose
I shoulda fact-checked whehter he ever played in Memphis. My bad.

I must say it's a comfort to have a class site like VEB at times like this. Outlets are important, even for grieving fans who don't fully understand why they're so worked up.

"I don't believe what I just saw!" ~ Jack Buck

by itsalemmon1019 on Apr 29, 2007 12:33 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Oh geez..
This can't be happening

by KeepOnRolen on Apr 29, 2007 12:09 PM EDT   0 recs

DANG!

Being out here in Jersey it's strange to have your Yankee-fan-friends call you up to say "sorry", "that sucks", "did you here?".

It's tough news for us fans... and we allknow it's really terrible for his family.

But how about LaRussa... he had to call his father and let him know. Isn't this the second time now he's had to do that? And what about his teammates? Especially those young guys? They've been together now for more than a year. They won us a world series!!!!!!!!!!!! This team is gonna be hurting.

DANG!!! This is just tragic!

by onebigdummy on Apr 29, 2007 12:13 PM EDT   0 recs

reply
Yeah, I suppose its kind of silly...
but I'm glad he got to win the series before he died.  It kind of makes it a tiny bit better.

I thought about Tony too, having to tell the families about Kile and now Josh.  
Its just a stand up thing to do, you know?

by jealousblues on Apr 29, 2007 12:26 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Mad love...

I have a lot of love for Tony and who he is for his players!

I am really happy as well that Josh got his ring and the thrill of winning the one thing he probabably dreamed of his whole life!!!

I was at Game 5... I'm glad I got to share it with him!!!!

by onebigdummy on Apr 29, 2007 6:21 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Ugh.
So many aspects of this story are terrible, but what an awful phone call for LaRussa to have to make...

This is just horrible. I will be praying for the Hancocks and all of the Cardinals family.

by birdjam on Apr 29, 2007 12:14 PM EDT   0 recs

Thoughts and prayers
to the Hancock family.

It is an unfortunate tragedy that is incredibly sobering. It reminds us of what is truly important in life and gives us perspective. The team's struggles are insignificant in comparison.

Make sure that those who are close to you know how you feel about them.

by bgh on Apr 29, 2007 12:16 PM EDT   0 recs

How can
this happen again? RIP Josh and condolences to his family. This is a nightmare.

by rockin redbird on Apr 29, 2007 12:20 PM EDT   0 recs

This Buds for you
My prayers are with the family we.ll really miss you Josh you were a  great guy.

by Calhoun on Apr 29, 2007 12:23 PM EDT   0 recs

fuck
I was in a cab last night at about 1, coming home from a wedding downtown. All lanes on westbound 40 were blocked off right by SLU. I said something about hoping it wasn't one of our friends from the wedding.

Nope, it was Josh Hancock. Unreal.

DK's got someone to play catch with tonight. I hate these moments.

Cheers

by Alxfritz on Apr 29, 2007 12:28 PM EDT   0 recs

A sad day
Tell Jack and Darryl about the World Series and let Buck know he made the Hall.

Josh turned 29 less than three weeks ago.

Thanks to these Cubs fans for, again, mourning with us in class.

by liam on Apr 29, 2007 3:25 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

What terrible news
My sympathies to the Hancock family and all Josh's friends.

by jfs on Apr 29, 2007 12:30 PM EDT   0 recs

Eerie
This hits home in a strange way. I've always thought that Josh looked like what my nephew Danny would look like twenty years from now. So it almost feels like I lost a family member.

I'm not one for prayers and such, but my thoughts are certainly with Josh's family and with the Cardinals.

Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time.

by Solanus on Apr 29, 2007 12:32 PM EDT   0 recs

thoughts and prayers
unoffically speaking from the group at RedReporter we just wanted to let you know that the Cardinals, Josh's family and all of the Cardinals fans are in our thoughts and prayers.

It certainly makes one stop and think and appreciate what we have in life and puts baseball back in it's proper place.

God Bless and take care.

What ever happened to John Romonosky?

by Columbus Jets on Apr 29, 2007 12:45 PM EDT   0 recs

OMG
Wow.  

by Toddius396 on Apr 29, 2007 12:47 PM EDT   0 recs

Cards fans . . .
I am so sorry for your loss, and sorry for the loss to the Cardinals team, and to Josh Hancock's family and friends.  You are all in my thoughts.

--a Cubs fan

by dfrancon on Apr 29, 2007 12:49 PM EDT   0 recs

Sorry for your loss
It just isn't fair.  I'm another Cub fan who just couldn't beleive what I heard this morning. I'll pray for his family, and for the Cards nation.

by GoatRoper on Apr 29, 2007 12:51 PM EDT   0 recs

Requisat in Pacem, Josh.
My thoughts & prayers go out to his family, his friends, & the Cardinal organization.  D.GOOCH

by GOOCH24 on Apr 29, 2007 12:52 PM EDT   0 recs

i agree
and to correct your latin its "pace". but the intention remains the same.

by stlcardinalsfang on Apr 29, 2007 1:36 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Josh
There's not much I can say, as I really only knew you as a pitcher. But you seemed like a classy guy and you did a good job for us. I'm so sorry for your family and friends, and for the Cardinals.

Rest in peace.

The Falcoholic
The SBNation's Atlanta Falcons Blog

by Dave the Falconer on Apr 29, 2007 12:57 PM EDT   0 recs

Dear God...
how horrible for his family, teammates, and friends. (Josh himself is either in the real baseball Heaven, or beyond caring; according to your own religious views...)

MLB did right to postpone tonight's game. ESPN can put something else on it's air...

Prayers for all concerned; including the members of Cardinal Nation who are in shock right now (including me!)

"A man should live forever, or die trying." -- Mike Callahan

by The Ol Goaler on Apr 29, 2007 1:01 PM EDT   0 recs

Remembering him in motion...
I found this shot of Josh Hancock (as a Red, in 2004) used to illustrate a pitcher's motion. To me, it's nice to have something more than the sterile headshots going around to remember who he was:

(I hope it's ok to post pics in here. It's from here: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Baseball_pitching_motion_2004.jpg (completely unrelated to me))

by davebug on Apr 29, 2007 1:05 PM EDT   0 recs

RIP Josh
Thanks for the wins, hell thanks for the loses...
"If I managed the Cubs, I'd be an Alcoholic." - Whitey Herzog

by cyko42 on Apr 29, 2007 1:12 PM EDT   0 recs

thanks josh
He was the only player to attend the premiere of a DVD documenting the Cardinals' unlikely run to their 10th World Series championship after winning only 83 regular-season games.

I think that says it all, showing up at a fan event. Thanks again.

by lookit55 on Apr 29, 2007 1:19 PM EDT   0 recs

Ugh
I just woke up and turned on ESPN to see a little coverage of the draft. On the scrolling bottom bar all I saw was the end of a note that said the Cards/Cubs game tonight was postponed. I thought it was a little early in the day to postpone a night game due to weather.

This is terrible, RIP Josh.

by TICY on Apr 29, 2007 1:20 PM EDT   0 recs

Same thing happened here
only I got as much as "...29, was killed in a car crash"--everything but the name.  So my mind was doing laps around the diamond trying to figure out who before I logged on here.

by Nate811 on Apr 29, 2007 6:24 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Terrible
I always liked you Josh. RIP and best wishes to the family, friends, players, coaches and everyone in Cardinals nation.

by effin fisk on Apr 29, 2007 1:20 PM EDT   0 recs

Josh
God bless you and all those close to you at this time.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and the entire Cardinal team at this time.  

I can't believe that Izzy, Tony, Dunc, and the rest have to do this again.  

On another note, thanks to all the Cub fans who've come to express their thoughts and prayers.  People talk about which rivalry is the best in baseball -- I'm not sure if any Red Sox or Yankees fans would do what the Cubs fans have done if they had to deal with this sort of tragedy.  That's what makes this rivalry the best.  The Cubs and, in particular, Joe Girardi have never been forgotten by Cards fans for that June day 5 years ago.

by houstoncardinal on Apr 29, 2007 1:25 PM EDT   0 recs

Cubs.
Cubs fans and their club's organization have shown nothing but class over the years.   Red Sox/Yankees have nothing on Cubs/Cardinals.
DFA Juan Encarnacion and Preston Wilson!

by STLCardinalsFan on Apr 29, 2007 1:31 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed
Nice showing by Cubs fans today.

by birdjam on Apr 29, 2007 1:35 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Unbelievable
I was watching the draft just a little while ago and all I saw was ...Hancock, 29, died... on the bottom line or whatever before it cut to commercials.  My heart sunk because I just knew it was him.  One of those feelings.

RIP, Josh Hancock.  You have been a tremendous competitor and a stand-up Cardinal.  You will be missed.

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 29, 2007 1:26 PM EDT   0 recs

Hey guys.
My thoughts are with the Cardinals, despite being a Reds fan. Terribly sorry to hear of this loss. Brings back sore memories of Daryl Kile too...

by tonylarussa on Apr 29, 2007 1:28 PM EDT   0 recs

A good pitcher...
Sad, sad news. Nothing really to say other than what has already been said. I was happy to see Hancock come around last year and have some very solid outings that myself and others here developed confidence in him.

I only knew Josh as a pitcher and his occasional interview on FSN but I developed a liking toward that will be missed on and off the field.

by Brownale on Apr 29, 2007 1:35 PM EDT   0 recs

awful
just awful news. R.I.P.

by sjoshi on Apr 29, 2007 1:36 PM EDT   0 recs

RIP
I really don't know what to say, but I definitely feel something is necessary. He always seemed like such a great guy and was one of those players that even though he didn't have overwhelming stuff, was reliable on the mound.

It's amazing how hard a death on the team can hit you. It almost feels like family. I guess that's Cardinals baseball for you.

Josh, you will be missed.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Apr 29, 2007 1:37 PM EDT   0 recs

You feel like you've lost someone close to
you.

You watch these games, see these guys almost everynight for 6 months and while you know it's silly to feel some sort of 'bond' towards them since they'll never know you and you'll never know them personally, something like this still hurts like someone you were close to is gone.

RIP

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 29, 2007 1:40 PM EDT   0 recs

It is silly
but I feel it too.  I sure am glad he got to come to St. Louis -- what w/ how it ended w/ the Reds.  And I'm glad he got a ring.

by houstoncardinal on Apr 29, 2007 1:47 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Makes us realize
that we're not just rooting for a uniform. I wouldn't feel the emptiness I feel right now over laundry. It is amazing how in short streches every year these guys become so much a part of our lives. I never feel like this when movie stars or rock stars pass (except John Lennon--that one hurt for real, more because of what he represented than on a personal level though). I dunno. The "Cardinals Family" thing is real to so many of us that we can't help but feel like another brother is gone.

by rockin redbird on Apr 29, 2007 2:30 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

From a Cubs fan at BCB...
My thoughts and prayers are with Josh's family and of course everyone here in the Cards community.  A terrible loss that puts everything in perspective.

RIP

by arhawkins on Apr 29, 2007 1:47 PM EDT   0 recs

Just saw something that broke my heart again
From mlb.com:

Hancock was born in Cleveland, Miss., and attended high school in Birmingham, Ala., before attending Auburn University.

I had no idea Josh was a Tiger.  I graduate from Auburn in 11 days, so I've lost a member of both the Cardinals' family and the Auburn family.  Unbelievable...just...unbelievable.

Once again, RIP Josh, and War Eagle.

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 29, 2007 1:48 PM EDT   0 recs

Auburn Tiger
I was in grad school at Auburn when Hancock helped pitch the Tigers into the College World Series.  I was so happy when he signed on with my favorite team.  

This sucks so bad.

by Archaeopteryx on Apr 29, 2007 4:25 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

bud
that is just awful news. i am glad bus s. did the right thing and let them cancel the game.

R.I.P. JOSH HANCOCK

SWH

by BRINGBACKWILSON on Apr 29, 2007 1:50 PM EDT   0 recs

OMG
I'm speechless.

Kind of puts everything in perspective, doesn't it?

My thoughts are with Josh's family, friends, and teammates right now.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Apr 29, 2007 1:55 PM EDT   0 recs

Minorleagueball.com
Someone posted this on the sisterblog minorleagueball.com....

"Somewhere
up there Josh is showing Darryl Kile his WS ring:)"

I thought that was a nice thought to have on this sad day.  

by Brock20 on Apr 29, 2007 1:59 PM EDT   0 recs

Stand-up guy
First time poster... I remember going a Blues game last year and seeing Josh there with Reyes. Josh was decked out in Blues gear from head to toe. I think he really embraced St. Louis and Cardinals baseball.

A shining example of what it means to be a Cardinal.

He will be missed.

by urgeernieball on Apr 29, 2007 2:00 PM EDT   0 recs

OMG
I remember last week he slept in late and the whole team was freaking out about him not being there on time.....he will be missed. At least he is know in a better place.

RIP Josh

by tnek5 on Apr 29, 2007 2:05 PM EDT   0 recs

i just came home
from church to do the game thread. i saw this on my homepage and burst into tears. what a terrible tragedy for his family and friends and for cardinal nation. he will certainly be missed. god bless, josh

by erik on Apr 29, 2007 2:09 PM EDT   0 recs

God Bless Josh
The very first game I got to see at Busch III, last year, early in June, againt the Cubs, I saw Josh pitch his guts out after the save was blown in the 9th. He pitched several innings and kept up in it. I have been a fan of his ever since and this tragic death just sucks...

I pray for his family and his Cardinal family.

Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines

by RosevilleRedbird on Apr 29, 2007 2:19 PM EDT   0 recs

Bad bad vibes, lingering from '02 -
when DK passed. His remaining teammates from that year (Edmonds/Pujols/Rolen/Taguchi/Isringhausen) have to be in a state of absolute shock.

Josh was one of our Band Of Brothers from last year, and will be immortalized as such.

by Urban Pawnee on Apr 29, 2007 2:25 PM EDT   0 recs

Ah, this is terrible.
Cubs fan here, just paying respects. My thoughts will be with you, the Cards team and organization, and Josh Hancock's family in the coming days. I'm very sorry this happened.

by helen on Apr 29, 2007 2:35 PM EDT   0 recs

to all card fans
this is bothering me more than it should, prolly cause i lost a 22 year old cousin last saturday, who, strangely, also was named josh, and, also strangely, was basically found like darryl kile, so i too have shed tears, for both josh's

i am proud to be a cards fan, but today, we are just baseball fans, and have had a loss, i really want to thank the cub and red fans who have come here to express their condolences

Pujols is the greatest Cardinal in my lifetime.

by bigcardsfan5 on Apr 29, 2007 2:40 PM EDT   0 recs