R.I.P. Ryan Freel

[realmofotalk]

Ryan Freel dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound, confirms Jacksonville Sheriff's Office - CBSSports.com

[realmofotalk]

Sad...and surprising given that he was a popular player in his days as a Red, so much so that he was a finalist in the Reds Survivor game here.

[zodious]

Terrible story. He was an average player, but had heart and guts. He was akin to Rudy for Notre Dame, he didn't have the talent to play with the big boys, but he had heart, and drive, and passion. It easily made him a fan favorite. In 2006 the reds did a "Ryan Freel Dirty T-Shirt night" the first so many fans got a Freel T-Shirt that had dirt on the front of it.

He will be missed.

[Trendy Bastard]

It's a shame. He was fun to watch.

[Slyder]

Another board I frequent has started up a collection with funds going to a group for suicide prevention. Pasted below this is a msg from the creator of the group.

Hello, Reds fans-

The tragic death of Ryan Freel, one of Redleg Nation's own, has led the moderating team here at RedsZone to start up a fundraiser for the Cincinnati branch of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. We are accepting donations until the end of January, at which point 100% of the net donation is going to be given to AFSP-Cincinnati.

To donate, please go to http://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fu...evention/37840 and click on the "give" button. Any amount will be accepted and any amount will help!

Thank you for your time!