Maj. Steve Reich

Paul Gallo writes today:

Steve Reich is a former opponent of mine at Shepaug Valley High School in Washington Depot, Connecticut and a player I later recruited while I was at Eastern Connecticut. I was hoping you could link this story on the blog for me, as a reminder that even if we do not agree with what is going on over in the Middle East, there are people, some whom we know personally, that believe in fighting for the freedom of this country.

Steve Reich was an incredible pitcher and even more so an incredible person.

I haven't seen him in about 15 years, but I will miss him.

The story, briefly, is this:

Maj. Reich died in the crash of an Army helicopter a week ago in Afghanistan. There were 16 Special Operations Forces personnel, including Reich, on board when the chopper was brought down by a rocket-propelled grenade. Maj. Reich was serving his fourth tour of duty in Afghanistan at the time.

Rather than follow Coach Gallo to Eastern Connecticut, Reich pursued a dream of attending the United States Military Academy. He pitched for the Cadets and holds career marks at West Point for strikeouts (259) and innings pitched (260). He played for Team USA in 1993 and 1995. In 1993, he was the flag bearer for the United States contingent in the World University Games. Reich signed with the Baltimore Orioles in 1996, but pitched only two games for the High Desert Mavericks of the California League before being called back into active duty.

There's more on Maj. Reich here and, with a few photos included, here.

We grieve with you, Coach.