To dedicate oneself wholly to something is a rare talent. And yet, St. Louis Cardinals’ Post-Dispatch writer Rick Hummel did. Nicknamed ‘The Commish’ for his vast, almost encyclopedic knowledge of baseball, Hummel wasn’t just a writer. What truly made him beloved in the baseball world was his personality as well as his passion for the sport.
He devoted more than 50 years of his life to his beloved sport, Hummel was a staunch champion of baseball. Unfortunately, on Saturday, May 20th, Hummel passed away at the age of 77 after suffering an illness. The MLB world lost a star that fans are mourning, and Cardinals’ legendary pitcher Adam Wainwright is among them.
St. Louis Cardinals’ Adam Wainwright pens a heartfelt message for Rick Hummel
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Anyone who has followed the Cardinals in the last two decades knows the impact Wainwright has made. Having been with the team since 2005, the 41-year-old is still going strong, although he plans to retire after the 2023 season. Wainwright is someone who has been lauded as one of the greatest pitchers of all time, and many of those words about him came from Rick Hummel. The Cardinals’ ace is among millions of fans who will always respect the beloved writer and miss his words.
Today is a sad day for me. St Louis lost a legend in Rick Hummel. Always fair. Always in a good mood. Always wearing some kind of goofy hat and mismatched pants that made me smile. The respect and trust he earned from players is a rare thing in our world https://t.co/j0GUl5cLbW
— Adam Wainwright (@UncleCharlie50) May 22, 2023
In a tweet, Waino shared, “Today is a sad day for me. St Louis lost a legend in Rick Hummel. Always fair. Always in a good mood. Always wearing some kind of goofy hat and mismatched pants that made me smile. The respect and trust he earned from players is a rare thing in our world.”
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He continued, “He was more than just the NCAA bracket guy to the players who spent time over the years with him. Still taking hand written notes that are impossible to read, and never misquoting. Still looking for the best in people and writing the truth. Rest in peace “Commish”. Thousands of baseball fans also shared his sentiments.
MLB fans mourn the loss of an eminent personality
A gentleman if there ever was one, Rick Hummel left a significant mark on the world. The Hall of Famer was one of those people about whom it was impossible to say a bad word. When Wainwright tweeted his condolences, it received an outpouring of love from fans.
We have been spoiled by some legendary baseball writers in St. Louis including Bob Broeg, Bob Burnes and Rick Hummel, who kept St. Louis baseball fan entertained and educated for many decades. This smart baseball chronicler and lovely human being will be missed!
— Lynn O'Shaughnessy (@CollegeBlogs) May 22, 2023
The Commish was as good in his profession as any of the players he covered. It’s nice to see those players honor him. What a loss.
— Andrea Edwards (@andreagedwards) May 22, 2023
One fan shared an iconic Hummel quote that applies to not only Wainwright but the writer too.
"If you are talented and hard-working and fortunate enough to become a giant in your profession, be a giant who never made anyone feel small"~Rick Hummel. Both of you are giants who fulfill this exhortation of Rick's
— Thomas Clay (@brotom) May 22, 2023
The Commish was truly beloved.
😥 Sorry to hear of his passing. Thoughts are with you and the team today.
— Deanna Miller (@deekiss1982) May 22, 2023
Old school rest in peace Rick
— Tommy (@mr_wild) May 22, 2023
Some praised his writing.
Always enjoyed his articles. Classy gentleman. RIP
— Pam Johnson (@PamJohn38123299) May 22, 2023
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I will definitely miss his content
— stltatt (@stltatt75) May 22, 2023
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Rest in peace, Rick Hummel.
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