Giancarlo Stanton was a member of the Miami Marlins when his late teammate Jose Fernandez passed away, and he is sharing some advice to the Los Angeles Angels on how to get through the heartbreaking situation of grieving the loss of a teammate.
Fernandez, a former All-Star pitcher, died on Sept. 25, 2016 in a boating accident, and the Marlins’ game that day was postponed. The team ended up playing out the rest of the season despite Fernandez’s death.
The Los Angeles Angels are in a similar situation now as they learned the tragic news that pitcher Tyler Skaggs had died on Monday. Their game against the Texas Rangers later that evening was postponed, while the franchise is left grieving.
Stanton posted a message on his Instagram account to share his best advice to the Angels on how to get through it:
“RIP Bro, My heart goes out to your family My message to the @angels while having no time for yourself to grieve is to hug each other, laugh, cry, lift the ones taking it extra hard up. You’re going to wonder why all of this is happening , is it real, why are u suiting up to play a game that seems irrelevant. Some Anger will ensue while u have to grieve in a fish bowl.. A lot will go through your mind. So stay together through that. The first days back to schedule are the weirdest feeling, from the energy to the questions to having to walk by his locker. Try to Focus & understand how important your strength is for his family, all of your supporters & anyone looking for the power to overcome something. They’re looking @ you for guidance. So you all really need each other right now.
“Stay strong fellas I’m thinking about you!”
Skaggs was found dead in his hotel room in Texas at the age of 27. Police say no foul play and no suicide was suspected.
The southpaw pitcher was 7-7 with a 4.29 ERA this season.
