PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Everything stopped at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia Friday night as fans and the Phillies observed a moment of silence for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, two brothers from a beloved hockey family who grew up cheering for Philadelphia teams.
MLB’s tributes to the Gaudreaus — who were struck and killed while riding their bicycles in rural Salem County, New Jersey, on Thursday night — extended well beyond the Philadelphia area where they grew upwith teams across the league, including the Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds, also mourning the beloved athletes at their games the day after the tragedy.
There were not only baseball teams, but also football and even an international hockey match between Slovenia and Hungary opening with moments to honor the brothers.
“We join the sports world in mourning the passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau,” said the The Phillies posted on X“The Phillies extend their deepest condolences to the Gaudreau family and the entire NHL family for this seismic loss to their beloved community.”
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On Friday night, the Phillies stood on the field near the home dugout, with many players turning their eyes to the scoreboard, which displayed a collage of photos of Matthew and Johnny.
Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians Pay Tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
The loss of Johnny Gaudreau was especially felt in Ohio, where he played left wing for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the state’s only NHL team. Both Ohio MLB teams mourned the Gaudreau brothers at their respective stadiums Friday.
“We are heartbroken,” the Reds posted on social media before a game against the Milwaukee Brewers, along with a photo of Gaudreau on the scoreboard at Great American Ball Park.
At Progressive Field in Cleveland, the Guardians observed a moment of silence before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to the Gaudreau family, the entire @BlueJacketsNHL organization and all who knew and loved Johnny and Matthew,” the Guardians posted on X.
Los Angeles Angels Tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
Los Angeles Angels players stood on the third-base line before Friday night’s game against the Seattle Mariners as the scoreboard shared its condolences to the Gaudreaus’ loved ones.
New York Yankees Observe Minute of Silence in Memory of Gaudreau Brothers
In New York, the Yankees posted photos of Johnny and Matthew on the scoreboard and held a moment of silence in remembrance before a game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
“We join the Blue Jackets and the NHL in mourning their loss and extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones,” the Yankees posted on X.
Calgary, Canada soccer team honors former Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau
Calgary, a city in the Canadian province of Alberta, is home to the Calgary Flamesthe team that drafted Johnny Gaudreau from Boston College and played part of nine seasons.
Canadian Premier League soccer team Cavalry FC also paid tribute to the Gaudreaus Friday night before their game against Valour FC at ATCO Field in Calgary.
“As members of the Calgary sports community, we share in this terrible loss,” the announcer said Friday night.
