Ryan Freel’s tragic suicide in December of 2012 might not matter to me if he had never played for the Cubs. I’m very provincial that way. Most fans probably are when it comes to their team.
The brevity of Freel’s career as a Cub does not mean that he was unimportant; It’s actually quite the opposite. Here’s a link to the story so you can find out more. But be aware that there was no happy beginning, middle, or end for him in Chicago.
Freel gave everything he had, and more than he probably should have given, and that alone deserves to be recognized. There are questions to be asked, and lessons to be learned, and if I’ll be very pleased if I can help to move this process along in any way.
Blue Batting Helmet 