If there was ever a day that proved we are all human, yesterday was the day. So often we look at sporting figures as bigger than life, even hero’s in some eyes. But, even those figures only have so much time on earth.
Many of us woke yesterday morning the the tragic news that Miami Marlins Pitcher Jose Fernandez had died in a boating accident near Miami. He was young, only 24 and full of talent. He had defected from Cuba in 2008 as a young teenager. Most of us have heard the story of him having to save his mother from drowning on the attempt. He worked his way through the Marlins system and had become one of the best young pitchers in the game.
While many of us were still trying to digest the sad news of Fernandez, came the news last night that legendary golfer Arnold Palmer had died. Palmer, who most golf fans refer to as “the king” was 87. Palmer is one of those guys that transcended the sport. He was a great golfer, not necessarily in the conversation for greatest of all-time. But, could be the most well-known player ever. He was the “common man” that took the sport to the masses. He made the sport “cool” long before Tiger Woods.
Closer to home, and no less tragic, Springdale High School senior Kyler Williams was killed in one car accident Saturday Night in Northwest Arkansas. Friday Night the Bulldog wide-receiver caught ten balls for 280 yards. His death has been met with utter disbelief across Northwest Arkansas. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family.
The deaths no doubt shocked the sports world. And we should all take time to morn in what ever way we choose. But, its also a very “real” reminder that no matter how hard someone can throw a baseball, no matter how great they can play golf, no matter how much of a celebrity sports figures become: They are all human. Life is so precious and only God knows when our time is up. May God be with family, friends, and all that feel an emptiness from these losses.
