The loss of a child is a parent's worst nightmare. Red Sox reliever Rich Hill knows that better than anyone.
Hill reported to Red Sox camp on Wednesday evening with a heavy heart. His infant son, Brooks Hill, died on February 24. Hill was understandably excused from the early part of Spring Training to spend time with his wife, Caitlin, and his other son, two-year old Brice.
“We had a son on Dec. 26 and he was born with multiple issues that we confronted and had to deal with,” Hill said to the Boston Globe. “Unfortunately, he succumbed. He taught us a lot of things. One-day-at-a-time approach, that’s where we’re at, to really enjoy every day.”
Even though it will be hard to focus on baseball. Hill plans to do everything he can to help the Red Sox and more importantly, his family.
"My wife has been extremely strong,” said Hill. “Our son, who is 2½, is with us here down in Florida, so we are going to enjoy our time here and obviously make the most of the opportunity that's here to present itself to play baseball."
Hill, 33, has pitched nine seasons in the Major Leagues. His career record stands at 24-22 with a lifetime ERA of 4.74. His best season came in 2007, as a member of the Cubs. Hill went 11-8, with a 3.92 ERA. He struck out 183 batters in 195 innings pitched. However Hill is looking to rebound after a poor 2013 season. He had a 6.28 ERA in 68 games as a lefty specialist for the Indians last season.
Hill won't have to worry about the support of his teammates. When Hill arrived to camp on Wednesday, teammates were seen consoling the nine-year Major League veteran and his wife.
“We want to enjoy our time here and make the most of the opportunity that’s here to play baseball,” said Hill. “Excited to be here, to be playing baseball again and get back into the normalcy of my profession and to be around a great group of guys and to just take that next step. ”
Hill knows he can succeed with the Red Sox in 2014.
"I fully feel that the opportunity is here," Hill said to ESPN.com. "I think that was also with a blend of the opportunity that is here and obviously with our family situation that we had. With the opportunity that is here, to make the most of it and do everything I can on a daily basis to perform."
I could never imagine losing a child. The pain must be unbearable. I can't say I understand what Hill is going through because I haven't lost a child. I'm not even a parent. However if this means anything, I have one younger brother and nine little cousins who mean the universe to me. If any of them were ever to die so suddenly, my heart would be broken. My thoughts and prayers go out to Hill and his entire family as they deal with this tragedy.
Learning about the passing of Brooks Hill and how Rich Hill is handling this situation is sad. No, it's more than sad. It's heart-breaking. However, in a sense, the story put life into perspective. Baseball, as great as it is, is still just a game. Family, the bonds we share with other and the relationship we forge in life are what matter the most. I am a Yankee fan, but I can tell you all that I will be rooting for Rich Hill this season and beyond. His story goes beyond baseball. He is more than a pitcher. Hill is a father, who lost his child. We should all be sympathetic to that and understand that baseball can only go so far.
I hope everyone takes the time to offer their thoughts and prayer for Rich Hill and his family. I wish him great success with the Red Sox in 2014 and going forward for the rest of his life.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.