Volquez still started Game 1 of the World Series despite news his father had just passed away on Tuesday. (Getty)
Royals pitcher Edinson Volquez, who started in Game 1 tonight of the World Series, may have more on his mind than just the big game.
Right before the game started, it was reported that Daniel Volquez, Edinson’s father, passed away in the Dominican Republic. He died of heart complications due to the 63-year-old’s battle with heart disease.
BREAKING NEWS: Source: Edinson Volquez’s father, Daniel Volquez, died at age 63 due to heart disease.
Ken Rosenthal, a reporter for FOXSports.com, announced the news on the broadcast once Volquez was taken out of the game and able to join his family in the team clubhouse. He originally tweeted saying FOX is aware of the news but doesn’t want to report it while Volquez is in the game because he may hear the broadcast in the clubhouse.
Broadcast generally on in clubhouse. Conflicting reports on whether Volquez knows. We are not taking chance he would find out through us.
Fox Sports is aware of the news about the death of Edinson Volquez’s father but do not plan to report it on broadcast while he is in game.
It is not certain if Volquez was aware of this news when the game started at 8 p.m. The Associated Press reported that Volquez was told about his father’s passing on the way to the ballpark and “The 11-year veteran appeared to warm up as if nothing was amiss on a misty evening in Kansas City, then marched stoically to the mound to start the game as the crowd roared.”
ESPN reported Volquez was given the news about his father on the way to the stadium before the game.
People are taking to Twitter asking if the pitcher has heard the news as well as expressing their condolences. Many people, including non-Royals fans, are saying they respect Volquez for staying in the game despite the news.
Here are the tweets you need to see:
Tragic news
Edinson Volquez learns of father’s death shortly before starting Game 1 t.co/AHdOkYm3mb
Volquez is going to throw a gem tonight. The death of his dad today will motivate him! #WorldSeries
Volquez’s dad died before the game. Man, this dude is out here being a legend.
The fact that Edison Volquez’s dad died earlier today makes me want the royals to win that much more
Pitching without knowing that his dad just passed away. You the real MVP Edison Volquez 💯
Terrible news about Edinson Volquez’s dad. Can’t imagine the emotions he is going through as he is about to take the mound in G1 of the WS.
Eddie Volquez with a big heart pitching tonight after his dad died earlier today Tons of heart and courage @Royals #WorldSeries2015 #volquez
Tough to lose your dad before a big game RIP stay strong volquez 😔🙏🏽
S/O to Volquez for coming out tonight to pitch after finding out his dad passed away on the way to the game… #RIP
RIP to Volquez’s dad. Some things are bigger than sports. But if we’re being honest as a NYM fan I dont like this one bit.
#Volquez we are with you! I’m sad for your lost. My deepest condolences to you and yours Brother. Trust God and his will.
Still got mad respect for Volquez for this. Hope he’s alright after the game
Even though ur son was our rival RIP Daniel Volquez @MLB #WorldSeries #BlueJays @BlueJays edinson Volquez
After reports of volquez dad dying, gotta feel for the guy out there on the mound.
Weather u like Edison Volquez or not u gotta give him respect. His dad died today and he still took the mound. Guys got heart. #Respect
I hope Edinson Volquez pitches the game of his life tonight. I couldn’t function at all if my dad died. That’s unreal
