Posted on 12/22/2012 8:42:57 PM PST by barmag25
Ryan Freel, who last appeared in the major leagues in 2009, has died at age 36 of what a representative from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office tells the Florida Times-Union is a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to Sgt. Mike Paul, Freel's body was discovered in his home around 4 p.m. ET on Saturday.
Freel spent parts of eight seasons in the majors, including six with the Reds. He was a career .268/.354/.369 hitter with 143 stolen bases. Freel also played five different positions during the course of his career. A Jacksonville native and product of Tallahassee Community College, he was originally a 10th-round choice by the Blue Jays in 1995.
The Times-Union notes that Freel over the summer was named head baseball coach at a local school but later withdrew from the position.
The Reds released the following statement:
"The Reds family is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ryan Freel. His teammates and our fans loved him for how hard he played the game, and he loved giving back to the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
(Excerpt) Read more at cbssports.com ...
Rest in peace.
This is a tough time of year for lots of folks, for whatever reason. Extending a hand of Christian kindness and good humor doesn't hurt the giver or the receiver.
Prayers for the family left behind.
/johnny
Such a permanent solution to such a temporary problem.
For the rest, I've got this plan to get a smile from everyone I talk to, meet, or freep for the next few days. Some, I'll piss off. That's ok. Many will smile.
Some will grump for a bit and later appreciate it.
We're put here to love each other. And make sure no-one goes down that lonely road.
/johnny
20 years later...
I’ve been where this guy was. Had the barrel in my mouth, hammer cocked on a loaded chamber, just about 20 years ago this time of year.
Its a terrible tragedy that this man took his own life, just terrible. All those possibilities are now gone forever.....
Or told you that you are a little bit weird, but I like you anyway. Which is what I was getting around to. ;)
Not like that, Mongo straight...
/johnny
I’m glad you’re still with us. Hopefully, God opened your eyes.
I got to be the unlucky witness to a suicide three years ago. It’s an ugly and selfish act.
Unfortunately when some people are in the midst of such a darkness, they see it as anything but temporary.
Even better than that my friend. Mrs L and I wished every single person we met today a very Merry Christmas.
Right now our dogs are sleeping on the couch with us, the cat is curled up in his bed, Miracle On 34th Street is on the tv. Our bellies are full, as are our glasses. In the morning she and I are going to do that thng that reminds men and women of the joy of being men and women. And I swear, I’m going to thank God for every single second of it of it all.
Every single second....
glad you’re still around...hope you plan on staying.....
Sad. RIP.
/johnny
Medics in New Port Richey, FL, arrived, found a pulse and tried to revive him for some time. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital. :-/
Sounds like a great plan!
Now I’ve gotta go wake up spouse. In a “friendly” way. ;D!
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