Angels continue to keep Adenhart's memory alive

ANAHEIM, Calif. - The makeshift memorial in front of Angel Stadium's main entrance is about the size of a pitcher's mound now. Hats, stuffed animals, sparkling lights, rosary beads, inscribed baseballs and hand-lettered signs are all arranged in a neat circle around an easel that holds a painting of Nick Adenhart in mid-throw.

In the Angels' clubhouse, Adenhart's locker is largely still how he left it on the night of April 8, from cap to shoes. His image and No. 34 adorn the outfield wall.

"It's always in the back of your mind," righthander Jered Weaver said. "You're never going forget a guy like that."

Adenhart, the Los Angeles Angels' 22-year-old pitcher who died in a car accident during the season's opening week, is a constant presence even in October for everyone around the club, which won the AL West last month to earn a first-round playoff matchup with the Boston Red Sox.

His death, along with two friends in a crash police say was caused by a drunken driver, staggered the Angels on and off the field, before ultimately elevating their remarkable season. Whether the Angels finally get past Boston or not, they feel they've honored Adenhart's memory by rising from the tragedy.

They've been outstanding ever since, finishing with 97 wins for the majors' second-best record and their fifth AL West title in 6 years. But nobody has forgotten Adenhart.

"We're all playing in his memory," said reliever Jason Bulger, who has spent the season next-door to Adenhart's locker. "We keep his jersey with us at every game, home and away. We keep his locker the way it was. He's always in our hearts."

When the Angels clinched the division with a shutout victory over Texas, they voted Adenhart's family a full share of their playoff winnings.