Former Nebraska baseball star Alex Gordon’s father, Michael passed away this week.
Every once in a while, we are reminded that sports takes a back seat to our real lives. The country was reminded of that this week after the massing shooting at a Florida school. Former Nebraska baseball star Alex Gordon was reminded of that personally on Valentine’s Day.
Normally a holiday that serves to remind us to celebrate our loved ones, Alex and his family had to say goodbye to his father, Michael. Michael Gordon passed away at the age of 63 surrounded by his family, including his professional baseball playing son.
Not only was Michael Alex’s father but he was also his first baseball coach, according to the Kansas City Star. That means that Michael was the one who put the slugger on the path to not only starring for the Huskers in college but also being one of the best young players in the Major Leagues.
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While Spring Training for Major League Baseball is about to kick off, the Kansas City Royals have said they understand that Alex won’t be reporting to camp right away. In fact, the team has left his return open, saying he will be reporting when he has taken care of everything he has to take care of with his family.
It’s worth pointing out that MLB has long been a league that has that real life needs to interject itself. The league even has a “bereavement list” so players can depart from the team and not worry about leaving their teammates in the lurch with a short roster.
Of course, with it just being spring training, Alex Gordon definitely doesn’t need to worry about missing a little time as he grieves for a father gone too soon. It’s a safe bet that the Nebraska baseball family and fanbase is grieving right along with him.