There was an odd, uncomfortable cloud looming over what was an otherwise classic open to the 2015 World Series.
The Kansas City Royals edged the New York Mets in 14 innings, but one of the most bizarre — and, quite frankly, sad — storylines revolved around Kansas City starting pitcher Edinson Volquez.
As pregame introductions began at Kauffman Stadium, news started circulating on Twitter that Volquez’s 63-year-old father had died of heart disease. The news slowly started trickling out as Volquez finished his warmup tosses in the Royals bullpen.
Many assumed Volquez had been notified and decided to pitch with a heavy heart. However, early-inning reports indicated Volquez hadn’t yet been informed of the news.
The FOX broadcasters stayed away from mentioning the news, a move explained by FOX Sports reporter Ken Rosenthal during the game.
Once Volquez was pulled from the game after six innings, FOX eventually mentioned the news on the air. According to the broadcast, Volquez indeed was unaware, and it actually was the wish of the pitcher’s wife that he not be told.
“The whole time I kept thinking, Eddie was out there pitching his tail off and I kept thinking, his dad isn’t watching him,” Royals manager Ned Yost told reporters, according to USA TODAY. “His first start in a World Series, and his dad isn’t watching him.
“I was really monitoring him. He was happy, upbeat. He was there talking to all of his friends. OK, he doesn’t know anything.
“It was hard for me to know what I know, and see the way he competed. It was a sad situation. There was no road map. You just do what the family asked you to do. It was real special to them that Eddie goes out and pitches that game.”
Once Volquez was pulled from the game, his family was waiting for him in the clubhouse, where he learned the heart-breaking news.
Royals pitcher Chris Young was one of the only KC players who knew before the game ended. He was the Royals’ emergency option had Volquez found out and couldn’t go.
After the game, Royals veteran Jeremy Guthrie informed his teammates — just moments after an exhilarating walk-off World Series win — that Volquez’s father had passed.
“Man, everyone was just so pumped up,” Ben Zobrist said, per FOXSports.com. “Then Guthrie let us know what had happened. It took the air out of the room for a minute there. Everyone starts thinking, ‘Oh, boy.'”
Naturally, the Royals who knew used it as a rallying point.
“Most guys didn’t know,” Game 1 hero Alex Gordon said, per USA TODAY. “I found out in I think it was in the 14th inning. I was standing next to Ned, and he told me, ‘Let’s win this game for Volquez,’ and explained what happened.”
Thumbnail photo via John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports Images
