Very Sad (Former UK Pitcher dies)

Such an incredibly sad, tragic event. Praying for comfort for the families and friends of all of the victims.

This has been a very sad tragedy with stories that touch so many hearts. There was also a young couple who were leaving for their destination wedding. The story that has touched me the most is one of a 16 year old girl that was here with her mother looking at a horse and one of their seats got bumped. Mom stayed behind..... I just can't imagine.

Very sad indeed for alot of folks.

Horribly sad. My prayers are with them all.

I knew Jon from his time with the Joliet Jackhammers in the Northern League. I sat in the bullpen with him every night at the end of the summer of 2004 when I was catching bullpens for the team. I learned that he was on the flight early this morning, and am still at a loss for words. He was an amazing guy that touched my life in the month that I spent with him. He was really good friends with one of my friends who also pitched for the team and hooked me up with catching in the bullpens, so I was around him quite a bit. He was the guy that showed me the ropes of pro ball since I was out of my league coming from a d3 background. Whether it was letting me know how to make sure my laundry all got washed by the clubhouse manager or talking game strategy in the bullpen, Jon was my go to guy, with him looking to help me more than I was going to him. He was also a good guy to have on your team for 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon, or variations, during the early innings in the bullpen.

Probably what I will remember the most about Jon, though, is his character. He was calm and relaxed all the time. Jon always had a big smile on his face when I'd walk into the clubhouse and always said hey to me when I got to the stadium. He was a solid Christian who stayed away from the parties and all else that goes on in the baseball world. Jon showed me how to live a Christian life and be a baseball player at the same time, without us ever really talking about our faith outside of using the term "morals". The example that Jon was for me that summer has made such an impact on me and my faith that has been unreal.

Eventhough I haven't talked to him for some time, I will miss Jon Hooker and will forever be grateful for all that he taught me.

CCKnights, Here's a couuple of links to local TV stationa which have video that discusses the loss of Jon and his new bride. I don't know if they are something you would be comfortable seeing, but here the are if you would like to.
I'm sorry for the loss of your old friend. Thanks for sharing with us.

http://www.wlextv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5331989

http://www.wkyt.com
This one has a link specifically about Jon as well on the right side.

CCKnights

Thank you for sharing your story. That really helps us to know what kind of man and ball player John was. Thanks again for sharing!

quote:

The example that Jon was for me that summer has made such an impact on me and my faith that has been unreal.

Eventhough I haven't talked to him for some time, I will miss Jon Hooker and will forever be grateful for all that he taught me.

CCKnights - my deepest sympathies on the loss of your friend. That is one heck of a story about one man's impact on those around him. To me, his story is an example of how one's spirt lives on through the lives of others.