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Joe Kennedy dead at 28

Left-handed pitcher Joe Kennedy, most recently of the Toronto Blue Jays, passed away this morning at age 28, near Tampa. [AP report at Yahoo]

From the article:

"We were terribly shocked," Blue Jays president Paul Godfrey said. "From what we understand he was in Bradenton ... to be the best man at a wedding today."

...

Godfrey said he didn't have any particulars on the cause of death.

"Obviously, when a 28-year-old man dies, ball player or not, it's a terrible, terrible thing," he said.

The left-hander was 43-61 in seven major league seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics, Arizona Diamondbacks and Toronto Blue Jays. Kennedy compiled a 43-61 record with a 4.79 ERA, pitching 908 2/3 innings over 222 career appearances.

...

"We are deeply saddened and shocked to hear of Joe's passing. He was a valued teammate and friend to everyone with the A's organization," Oakland assistant general manager David Forst said in a statement. "On behalf of the entire A's organization, we extend our condolences to Joe's wife, Jami and his entire family."

I'm all for letting the man rest in peace, and though it's a very touchy subject, I'm sure everyone will get what I mean: I hope this was something natural, or a family history thing. I was a huge pro wrestling fan for most of my life, and if any of you were, you probably know what I fear. When 28-year old athletes die, there's always the chance that it's not good at all, and that steroids or something else played a large role.

Camden Chat sends our thoughts and best wishes to Joe Kennedy's family.