Marburger Monday

Everybody,

As you who follow the MSM know, today is normally the Pittsburgh Penguins Monday Igloo Update. However, there has been a great loss to the world. Tyler Marburger, outfielder, #4 and a dear friend of mine and fellow graduate of Blackhawk High School in 2006, passed away yesterday morning at the age of 22.

Tyler has been one of my friends since we moved to the Blackhawk school district in 3rd grade. Though we were never in any classes together until high school, we were friends through baseball. Since we were in minor league, the same group of kids played baseball together during the all-star tournament season. Tyler seemed to always be the brightest of the all-stars. Even in little league, Ty hit some of the farthest home runs I have ever seen. This continued all the way up through high school baseball when he led the team in home runs, slugging and clutch. During the playoffs of the 2006 American Legion baseball season, Ty hit some home runs that are still in the air. One of my greatest baseball memories was in the third game of the Beaver County championship series in 2006. At the time, we had won 22 straight games, a perfect 22-0 on the season. With Hopewell beading us 3-2 going into the bottom of the 7th, Hopewell brings in their ace, Scott Dunn who had won the NCAA Division III championship for Mercyhurst just months earlier. We managed to get a runner on base and into scoring position. 'Back In Black' roars out of the speakers at Park Field, "Now batting, #4, Tyler Marburger!" exclaims my father the announcer. Hopewell believed that they had the game in hand, but Ty struck one of the LONGEST walk-off home runs that I have ever seen, at any level, clearing the fence, score board, flag post and first row of trees behind the wall. Our team rushed out of the dugout, overwhelmed by excitement as Ty trotted around second base. As he rounded third and headed home, he leaped into the air and landed on home plate, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd and more hugs, high-5s and helmet hits than he could handle. He was the best baseball player I have ever had the privilege with whom to take the field.


But this goes beyond the baseball diamond. We must not overlook the personal side of his bright star. Tyler was one of the most personable, responsible, respectable, polite and humble human beings I have ever known. He always knew what to say to bring us out of a poor mood. From dirty jokes to dry whit, Ty was also one of the most fun people to be around. I think we all can say that we truly believed that his story was going to be the greatest comeback story of our generation. To our dismay, it was not to be. From here on, we remember Ty and the joy that he brought us both on the field and off. Our prayers are with the Marburger family and the myriad of people whose lives Tyler has touched.

4ever,
B Brog