Early Sunday morning St. Louis Cardinal pitcher Josh Hancock died in a single car accident. The 29 year-old bullpen pitcher had reportedly spent Saturday night drinking at a bar and then refused a ride home. Regardless of the details surrounding his death, the Cardinal family has been grieving over an unfortunate loss. To try and commemorate their fallen teammate, the Cardinals hung Hancock's No. 32 jersey from the dugout of their Monday night game against the Brewers (the team took Sunday night off due to the loss).
A situation like this is one that very few prepare for and one the everyone hopes they will never have to deal with. The Cardinal organization must find a way to honor Hancock, but at the same time they will be forced to move along. How does PR personnel handle such a tragic situation? It is very hard to say, but I think the Cardinals handled it nicely. They sent the only person they could to talk with the press: Manager Tony LaRussa. LaRussa addressed the media in an appropriate manner and gave appropriate responses. The team has attempted to memorialize Hancock by wearing a NO. 32 patch on the sleeve of their uniforms. Undoubtedly, the team will hold a commemorative ceremony for Hancock when the team returns to St. Louis at the end of this current road trip.
These efforts should not be considered a "PR Move." They are appropriate tributes to a fallen teammate. They are measures taken by a grief striken team that is struggling to find answers. Situations like this are about much more than PR. They are about remembering that there are so many things out there more important than baseball and public relations. This situation reminds us that life is short, and we must make the best of the time were are fortunate enough to have. Also we must take time to really cherish the people in our lives that make life worthwhile...
All the best,
ben
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