Funeral For a Dead Arm

In Memoriam of Phil Hughes Right Arm

Born in 1986, in Mission Viejo, CA, Phil Hughes right arm so conflict early in life during the early crawl stages to full blown issues involving the 2nd grade dodge ball team.  It was in these early times, that Army, Hughes little nickname for his pitching arm because of how well it battled, manifested into a wonderful appendage. 

When Phil was a junior in high school he became an All-American and Army helped throw a perfect game that year.  When Army was drafted in the 1st round in the 2004 baseball draft by the Yankees, Phil Hughes and Army thought the sky was the limit.  In the his second ever professional start, Hughes had a no-hitter going into 7th inning until his other friend Hammy ruined his chances on that game.  Fun fact, the injury was a result on a pitch to Mark Texiera. 

Army would later return but not in a starting role and would not have a starting job until last season.  Army and Hughes were almost unstoppable out of the gates last season as Hughes had one of the best records in baseball and even elected to the all star game, but that was the beginning of the end.  Army would wind up being the losing pitcher of the All Star Game that night, and began an off season of turmoil and pain.  The second half of the season was not nearly as dominant as the first and his playoff appearances were sporadic at best.  Rumors of Army going out drinking with Josh Hamilton's Skeleton, that he keeps usually in his closet, were not helpful either.  Spring Training came and went and Army was getting by, but only getting by.  Army went 31-19 in his major league career with a 4.46 ERA, and was officially announced dead on April 15, 2011.

He is remembered by Lefty, and lived on by Ticker, Stems, and Core.  In Lieu of Flowers please hope for the possibility of being shipped to Seattle, with a Joba and a Killer B, for a King; would be more appreciated.