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MINNEAPOLIS -- The death of St. Louis Cardinals' pitcher
Josh Hancock in a drunken-driving accident served as a sobering
moment for several Minnesota Twins. "As players, it's just another reminder of how careful you have
to be in your decision-making process," catcher Mike Redmond said
Friday before the Twins hosted the Boston Red Sox. "It's sad and
it's too bad that things like that happen." Hancock, a 29-year-old relief pitcher who played a key role in
the Cardinals' World Series title run last season, died early
Sunday morning when his rented SUV struck a parked tow truck on a
St. Louis highway. Police said Friday that Hancock's blood-alcohol level was 0.157
percent, nearly twice the legal limit in Missouri and Minnesota,
and that marijuana was found in his vehicle. "When things like this happen, as tragic as it is, it's kind of
a wake-up call for guys too," Redmond said. "To say, 'Hey man, I
can't do that. I can't take that risk. It's not worth it." For years, the Twins have taken steps with their players to try
and raise awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving. Manager
Ron Gardenhire said he speaks to his players about it during spring
training. General manager Terry Ryan has banned alcohol in the
clubhouse, a move the Cardinals made on Friday as well. "We talked about that the first day of spring training,"
Gardenhire said. "We always talk about taking care of yourself on
and off the field. Always. It's unfortunate, things happen and it's
a very sad thing." Right fielder Michael Cuddyer said the organization can only do
so much to prevent tragedies like this one. Sooner or later, it's
up to the players to show some responsibility. "We don't have any alcohol in here. Our organization, Mr.
Ryan's policy is he doesn't want alcohol in the clubhouse and it's
not in the clubhouse," Cuddyer said. "It could be a smart thing.
At the same time, it is the guys that need to make their own
decisions, need to make smart decisions." Hancock was not drunk when he left the stadium after a loss to
the Cubs last Saturday. He was drinking at a local steak house and
bar and was driving to another bar when he was killed, police said. "It's a learning lesson, a tough one, for everybody,"
Gardenhire said. "And our players understand that and we've all
been in shock also. "It's a learning lesson and hopefully everyone understands the
rights and wrongs and takes care of themselves. It's a real hard
thing for a lot of people in baseball." Redmond winced when he heard the news, saying he wish it
wouldn't have been made public because he thought it might "take
away from the tragedy that happened." But he also said it might
serve as a reminder of the consequences surrounding drinking and
driving. "I think on our team, we have guys who watch out for one
another and stuff like that. But really, it's an individual
decision," he said. "We're not all together all the time. You
just hope that each guy makes that decision to not drink and drive.
It's tough to monitor every guy."
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