Multiple MLB Teams Honor Blue Jackets' Johnny Gaudreau

In this story:
The tragic death of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew has shaken the hockey world. While many within the sport are mourning, so too are athletes and teams in other professional sports.
NBA star LeBron James reacted to the Gaudreau brother’s passing as too did Major League Baseball and one of their biggest stars, Mike Trout. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts sent his condolences, as well.
Multiple MLB teams also held a moment of silence before their games. The Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians share the state of Ohio with the Blue Jackets and made sure to honor the brothers.
We are heartbroken for our friends at the Blue Jackets with the tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. We send our deepest condolences to the Gaudreau family, their friends, the NHL and the entire Columbus Blue Jackets organization. pic.twitter.com/iEAfusOLJD
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) August 30, 2024
The Reds held a moment of silence and sent their condolences to the family, friends and Blue Jackets before the first game of a doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Guardians did the same before their win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Gaudreau brothers grew up in New Jersey and were fans of Philadelphia sports teams as children. The Philadelphia Phillies held a moment of silence before their game against the Atlanta Braves.
Matthew never made it to the NHL, but did play minor league hockey in the New York Islanders organization. The New York Yankees held a moment of silence, as well, before their win over the St. Louis Cardinals.
It doesn’t matter who you root for or what sport, everyone is touched by this tragic loss.

Nick Horwat is a contributor with Breakaway On SI. He was previously a credentialed reporter for The Hockey News covering the Pittsburgh Penguins. A Pittsburgh native, Nick graduated from Point Park University and started reporting on news and sports with KDKA Radio and 93.7 The Fan. After hosting a Penguins talk radio show in college, he morphed the show into a podcast. The Tip of the Ice-Burgh Podcast has been a leading Penguins podcast since 2019. Follow him on Twitter @NickHorwat41.