Sad day for Rockies family, baseball

Today's a sad day for the Colorado Rockies and Major League Baseball. Rockies President Keli McGregor was found dead in his hotel room, apparently from natural causes.

"Words cannot describe the level of shock and disbelief that we all are feeling this morning at the loss of Keli," Rockies Chairman & CEO Charlie Monfort said. "Our thoughts, our prayers are with Lori (his wife) and the entire family as we all try to cope and understand how such a tragic loss could occur with such a wonderful man."

Sadly, this is not the first time baseball has dealt with such a tragedy. In an eerily similar situation in the 2002 season, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Darryl Kile was found dead in his hotel room in Chicago, where the club was staying for a series against the Cubs. The 33-year old pitcher died far too young from coronary disease. I have a vivid memory of that day, particularly New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi, then a catcher with the Cubs, fighting back tears as he announced that day's game was cancelled and asked the Wrigley Field crowd to be respectful and pray for the Cardinals.

We should all pray for McGregor's family and for his Rockies family. An unexpected tragedy like this can be devastating, but can also have the effect of bringing people together in the midst of crushing grief. I hope the Rockies can find the strength to go on in his memory.