News broke Sunday afternoon of a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California that killed all nine people aboard, including NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant. The NBA, sports world and beyond spent Sunday in mourning for the loss of the Bryants and all those aboard. We here at MMO also send our thoughts and prayers to all the families and friends of everyone who lost their life from the crash.
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Among the victims named from the crash were John Altobelli, his wife Keri and their daughter Alyssa, according to Tom Schad of USA Today. Altobelli managed Jeff McNeil when he was on Brewster in the Cape Cod League in 2012. McNeil credited his MLB career to Altobelli, who let him play for Brewster despite his struggles in college.
“He took a chance on me, kept me the whole summer,” McNeil told Jeff Passan of ESPN. “Him taking that chance on me, having me on his team, got me drafted.”
McNeil also addressed the helicopter crash directly through Twitter as he tweeted out, “Tough to hear the news of coach Altobelli. One of my favorite coaches I have ever played for and one of the main reasons I got a chance to play professional baseball. Both the baseball and basketball world lost a great one today.”
Along with McNeil, Pete Alonso, Marcus Stroman and Dellin Betances, among other Mets, tweeted out their sympathy.
The Mets signed right-handed pitcher Erasmo Ramirez to a minor league contract, with an invitation to spring training according to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com.
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Among those tweeting their sympathies for the loss of Bryant and those in the helicopter crash were current and former baseball players including CC Sabathia, Mike Trout, Chipper Jones, Manny Ramirez, Adam Jones, Matt Kemp, Kevin Pillar, Andrew McCutchen, Justin Verlander, Christian Yelich, Justin Turner and Kenley Jansen among others.
The Cincinnati Reds are viewed as the “clear frontrunner” to sign Nicholas Castellanos according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network. Morosi reported that the Reds and Castellanos have made progress in their negotiations over the last few days.
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The Miami Marlins and Matt Joyce agreed to a deal according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
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Tim Ryder recapped the Mets Fan Fest which he covered on Saturday.
Ryder also wrote about Steven Matz who spoke on Saturday at the Mets Fan Fest about expectations heading into the 2020 season and Jeremy Hefner‘s value to the team in his first season as pitching coach.
Michelle Ioannou wrote about Edwin Diaz who sought help from Pedro Martinez this offseason.
This Day in Mets History
Birthdays: Angel Berroa turns 42. Nick Willhite was also born on this day in 1941.
