Rest in Peace Joe Kennedy

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 23, 2007 12:58 PM EST

Some unfortunate news has came across the wire, former Rays pitcher Joe Kennedy has passed away this morning at his Florida home. His family was at his side, and the cause of death is undetermined [editor's note, by R.J. Anderson] Apparently Ken Rosenthal has reported the cause of death was results from a brain aneurysm. We send our condolences and prayers to the Kennedy family, at 28 Joe was far too young to be taken from them and the world.

Obviously this is quite shocking, Kennedy was a free agent coming off a season where he pitched with three teams including the Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, and Arizona Diamondbacks. I have fond memories of Joe -- despite not working out for the Rays. He was our first legit starting pitching prospect and won 18 games with the Rays before being traded in a three team deal with the Rays receiving Mark Hendrickson in return. His final appearance in 2007 was in a relief role as the Jays defeated the Rays.

He's survived by his wife and one year old son. Rest in peace Joe Kennedy on this black Friday indeed.

Joe Kennedy May 24th, 1979 - November 23rd, 2007

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Re: Rest in Peace Joe Kennedy

OMG,

This is a very, very sad day. Wow. May his family be in our thoughts in this tragic time. So young. My best to all of his family and friends.

Joe

by joedobr on Nov 23, 2007 1:04 PM EST reply actions

Re: Rest in Peace Joe Kennedy

Puts life back in perspective, just like Cory Lidle and Erik Walker -- that anniversary is upcoming I believe.

Hopefully all are in a better place.

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 23, 2007 1:25 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Rest in Peace Joe Kennedy

Wow, RIP JFK. This is such a shock. I am speechless...

by raysnbran on Nov 23, 2007 1:36 PM EST reply actions

Re: Rest in Peace Joe Kennedy

Ya this is truly sad, I remember his epic game against the Tigers in Rocco's rookie year- I was thinking maybe we would get a look at him again for the bullpen this season- Joe played for a few organizations, but should be remembered as a Ray, and we should all hold our kidsand wives a little tighter tonight... RIP Joe-

by nittsallgood on Nov 23, 2007 3:50 PM EST reply actions

Re: Rest in Peace Joe Kennedy

From the Times:

Kennedy was staying with his wife's family in Lithia and collapsed early Friday morning.
According to Hillsborough County Sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter, Kennedy was not feeling well Thursday night and went to bed early, then awoke at about 1:15 a.m. and collapsed as he tried to leave the bedroom. Fire rescue personnel responded and found him unresponsive, and he was transported to Brandon Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead of what Carter said were natural causes.
Word spread quickly among Rays officials and alumni.
"I can't believe we're talking about this,'' said former Rays star Aubrey Huff, who had dinner with Kennedy on Tuesday. "It's very troubling. It's got to be heart-wrenching for his wife and new baby.
"There was never a day when he was in a bad mood. He was always happy, always full of life, always busting your chops."

Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona.
~George F. Will, Men at Work: The Craft of Baseball, 1990

by webdoyenne on Nov 23, 2007 3:50 PM EST reply actions

Re: Rest in Peace Joe Kennedy

I'm sure performance enhancing drugs had nothing to do with this. has a heart attack at 21

-Signed
Jonney Gomes

by Jhattenburg on Nov 23, 2007 4:24 PM EST reply actions

Come on

Is that really necessary at all? Talk about baseless accusations and just lack of class. A husband and father are lost and we're going to speculate on whether steroids or ethedra, ect. played a role?

Come on.

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 23, 2007 4:28 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Come on

You are right, it was most likely the man on the grassy knoll, who poisoned Kennedy. He has a list of Kennedys to kill on 11/23. Bizzare sports deaths like this never have anything to do with performance enhancing drug use.

by Jhattenburg on Nov 23, 2007 4:35 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Come on

I don't think anyone said speculation about PEDs wasn't common place in deaths of pro athletes, but I just think it's inappropriate at the moment.

Kennedy had his own issues, but I've never heard his name associated with steroids.

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 23, 2007 4:41 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Come on

I agree with RJ.

Plus, if it was a brain aneurysm it had nothing to do with PED, aneurysm's just happen, they are a scary thing because they happen to healthy people with no warning and have a very small chance of survival.

RIP Joe

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Nov 23, 2007 11:18 PM EST up reply actions

Eh

You might not be wrong; it is very unusual for one to die at the age of 28 due to "natural causes". It's entirely possible that he used steroids, but regardless, a father and a husband passing away at the age of 28 is a tragedy no matter the circumstances. I can remember watching JFK's first game against the Blue Jays back in '01; I had just gotten into baseball at that point. And I remember that for the next two successive years, he really owned the Blue Jays in nearly every game he pitched against them. That's why I sort of got a chuckle when the Jays signed him last year, you know the whole 'if you can't beat 'em, sign 'em' thing.

I really thought that after his first two seasons, he was going to be a real part of our rotation for years to come. I was really disappointed when things didn't work out, and I followed his success in Colorado the following year with great joy.

But it's just such a sad thing to see someone die this young. I'm just not used to athletes I watched when I was a child dying, especially since that was only a short time ago. Lidle and Darrell Russell are about the only two that come to mind. But I followed none of them as closely as I did Kennedy with the Rays. It is just so hard to believe and so sad.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Nov 23, 2007 5:03 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Rest in Peace Joe Kennedy

As one who has followed the team for years, early on I did not know if if Joe's talent should have been giving up on as a young left hander at such a young age. But, it turned out to be an even trade and thr right thing. My thoughts go out for his family, friends, and his baseball family.

by David Bloom on Nov 23, 2007 6:34 PM EST reply actions

Re: Rest in Peace Joe Kennedy

Man, I just got home and saw this on the Yahoo frontpage. Words just don't capture the feelings. All I can do is pray for his family. His son.

by RATW on Nov 23, 2007 7:37 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Rest in Peace Joe Kennedy

I'll always remember Joe as pitching the first Rays win that I ever saw live at the Trop. He was lights out that night.

My best wishes and prayers for his family.

by ttnorm on Nov 23, 2007 8:26 PM EST reply actions

Re: Rest in Peace Joe Kennedy

Sad, just sad, to see a fine young former Devil Ray taken so soon. Farewell, Joe Kennedy.

by das411 on Nov 24, 2007 1:21 AM EST reply actions

Re: Rest in Peace Joe Kennedy

Yeah man Jow was awesome. I got the news when I called my buddy and his mom walked in the room and told him. I can't believe it. I was sad to see him go a few years ago and I am sad to see him go now.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

by Elgrandeplatano on Nov 26, 2007 12:12 PM EST reply actions