In the tragic crash that killed nba legend Kobe Bryant and his 13 year old daughter also John altobelli, his wife and his 13 year old daughter were killed. Altobelli was coaching at the orange coast college and a cape cod team with judge and McNeil among the most prominent players.
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Altobelli coached the Brewster Whitecaps from 2012-14 I believe. I don't think he was currently coaching anywhere in the Cape League.
Brewster whitecaps are a cape cod team. Judge played there 2012 as did mcneil
Dominik85 posted:Brewster whitecaps are a cape cod team. Judge played there 2012 as did mcneil
Understood - my son was previously on the Whitecaps roster, but after Altobelli had left.
Coach Altobelli was one of the coaches who my son played for. Son was devastated when he heard that Kobe was in the helicopter, then a double punch when it was announced Altobelli/wife/daughter were also in it. Son has nothing but high praises for Altobelli as a coach, mentor, and person. The baseball family just lost one of the best.
Have a friend who’s son is at OCC now playing a year of JUCO after TJ surgery. He chose OCC because of Coach Alto. Huge loss for baseball community.
Today hug someone you love and is instrumental in your life. Tell them how special they are. Now I understand what a classy family the Altobelli's are. Todd Altobelli is OCC's Sports Information Director.
Obviously Kobe Bryant is the theme of the story as the world famous name. But anyone dying tragically is horrible. In another family two girls are left without parents. In another family, aside from losing his wife and ones child, a father is wondering how he raises three little kids by himself on a teacher’s salary.
Fans who have never met Kobe Bryant are shocked. What about the family and friends of those who died in the crash? Imagine what three girl’s teammates are thinking.
These were families going to a travel sports tournament; most of us here have done the same, although perhaps not by helicopter. There were times in our years of travel sports when I thought about the dangers, especially when we had to drive especially far or at strange hours. Our area has had (non-famous) people killed on the way to their kids' tournaments. I feel terrible for all these families. Travel safe, everyone.
anotherparent posted:These were families going to a travel sports tournament; most of us here have done the same, although perhaps not by helicopter. There were times in our years of travel sports when I thought about the dangers, especially when we had to drive especially far or at strange hours. Our area has had (non-famous) people killed on the way to their kids' tournaments. I feel terrible for all these families. Travel safe, everyone.
City and county police forces grounded their helicopters due to the fog. If you don’t know the area you can’t fly up the coast due to LAX air traffic. The helicopter had to fly around to the east, get clearance from Burbank and Van Nuys (private) air traffic control and proceed over mountains in blinding fog. One report said the pilot got disoriented and started flying in circles.
While the pilot was considered an expert and was given special clearance it turned out to be unwise and tragic. All to get to a pre high school travel game. Maintain perspective about your kids sports.
Hopefully more light will be shed on this after the NTSB investigation. You could be right that poor judgment was used, however plausible it may seem, it is still only speculation at this point. Unless I am misinterpreting your last two sentences, it seems a bit unfair.
Coach Altobelli was a revered coach for OCC. I listened to his recent interview on Top Coach podcast. I found it very inspiring. This was a tough loss for the baseball community. The link is below.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/...5258?i=1000450830630
http://topcoachpodcast.com/tc3...orange-coast-college
Just got a text from my son who is at the gym since his coach cut practice early in order to attend the Altobelli Memorial at Angel stadium this afternoon. “EVERYBODY is here. Looks like everyone else cut practice early too.” Our gym is a regular spot for about 5 or so local high schools, some of them nationally ranked. Apparently they all were touched by Coach Alto as well, how else do you explain a short day 5 days before the season starts? There is a gaping hole in our community.