When someone you love dies, and you’re not expecting it, you feel cheated. You didn’t get to say goodbye. It’s not fair…
You feel lost and hollow inside. At night you lie in bed clutching her pillow close to you because you could still faintly smell her. It comforts you until the morning sun reminds you that she’s really gone.
Yesterday, when I first heard that Pedro Feliciano died suddenly in his sleep at 45, it stunned me and gave me some pause.
I didn’t realize how strong my emotional connection to Pedro was. I said a little prayer for him and thought of all the times he came through in a big spot… All the times he sent us home happy after preserving another victory for the Amazins.
Perpetual Pedro….
Some nicknames are just silly and have no meaning, but “Perpetual Pedro” was different… It was the perfect nickname for Pedro Feliciano and it truly defined who he was.
From 2006-2010, Pedro was one of the most dominant left-handed relievers in the game and he was all ours. Few Met relievers were as reliable and serviceable as Feliciano.
In three seasons spanning 2008-2010, Perpetual Pedro earned his moniker, leading the majors in appearances and also setting a Mets franchise record with 92 appearances in 2010. That’s a record that will likely stand the test of time.
“Pedro Feliciano will be remembered as a beloved member of our organization,” the Mets said in a statement.
They recognized “his impact as a great teammate as well as his reputation as one of the most competitive, durable and reliable relievers during his time in Queens.”
The organization was quick to respond and their statement struck a perfect chord and sentiment.
It really is sad when you lose someone who still had so much more life to live. I feel bad that I had nothing to remember him by…
When Gary Carter passed away, I had his 1986 Mets jersey to hold onto. It hasn’t fit me in many years but I still cherish it.
When Rusty died, I dug out all the autographed items I had collected, but none meant more to me than a Mets Scorecard he personally signed for me when we worked together at a charity drive. I loved Rusty.
I’m so mad at myself because I didn’t have one thing in my pretty vast Mets collection to remember Perpetual Pedro. Not even a single baseball card.
I am definitely going to right that wrong this weekend, as I scour through eBay for something cool to remember Pedro by.
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” to quote Frodo Baggins.
“So do I,” said Gandalf.
“But all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
Rest in peace, Pedro.
