The Kansas City Royals honored Yordano Ventura, who died in a car crash in January 2017, at the home opener on Monday.
The Royals had a moment of silence for Ventura ahead of the game.
Eric Hosmer spoke on behalf of the Royals, thanking the fans for supporting the team and Ventura’s family.
Marisol and Raul Hernandez, Ventura’s mother and father, attended the game on Monday. Marisol threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Marisol Hernandez, mother of deceased pitcher Yordano Ventura #30, throws out the ceremonial first pitch as Ventura's grandfather Raul Hernandez watches prior to the Royals 2017 home opener against the Oakland Athletics at Kauffman Stadium on April 10, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Marisol Hernandez released the following statement:
“I feel very happy, but mostly thankful to God to be here with the Kansas City Royals for Opening Day and for throwing the first pitch. I give thanks to God because He is the only one who can help us. Through my pain and all my suffering I knew I had to come and do this and because what happened to my son I know many people will know that God is the only way. I am feeling well. And thank you.”
