Although the Washington Nationals (45-30) have one of the best records in baseball, it probably could’ve been a little better. After all, their pitching staff has blown 12 saves already this season, which is seventh worst in MLB and third worst in the National League. In fact, they’ve blown so many saves that, for one man, it became too much.
Recently deceased Nationals’ fan Patrick Killebrew picked up some press lately, because his (very real) obituary included a line that suggested the Nationals most recent blown lead led to directly to his own passing.
Check it out for yourself from the Richmond Times-Dispatch:
KILLEBREW, Patrick, “Pat,” age 68, passed away peacefully at home, June 20, 2017, after watching the Washington Nationals relief pitchers blow yet another lead. Beloved father and husband, longtime attorney, former U.S. Navy Navigator and avid baseball fan and player. Join in a celebration of his life July 2, 6 to 8 p.m., at the SCA Clubhouse, 9601 Redbridge Rd., 23236. In lieu of flowers, send “donations” to the “Nationals Bullpen Fund.”
Again, I want to be clear that Patrick Killebrew really did pass away and this really is his obituary. I hope it’s obvious enough though, that the Nationals bullpen didn’t really lead to his demise. Even still I absolutely love that this is how it all reads.
I never knew Killebrew, of course, but I get the sense that he would have absolutely loved one final jest at the group of big leaguers that gave him figurative, non-lethal, baseball-fan heart attacks on a nightly basis. Well done, family. You did it right.