Angels pitcher Skaggs praised as ‘caring person’ at memorial

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Los Angeles Angels pitcher Andrew Heaney urged those at a private memorial service to remember a gift fallen teammate Tyler Skaggs gave to them.

“Take a moment, close your eyes and think of a story or even an image that reminds you of all the good times you had with Ty,” Heaney said. “Take that memory and hold it in your hearts and in your minds. That is his lasting gift to everyone here.”

Skaggs’ teammates and family gathered Monday at a Catholic church in his native Santa Monica to remember Skaggs, who was found dead in his hotel room in Texas on July 1. He died shortly before his 28th birthday.

The mourners remembered Skaggs as a beloved son, husband, teammate and friend whose upbeat personality brought joy to everyone around him. The altar was flanked by two large red-and-white floral arrangements prominently featuring No. 45, Skaggs’ uniform number.

Hundreds of attendees laughed and cried at the eulogies from 14 speakers.Several family members related stories of Skaggs as a precocious, upbeat kid who just happened to grow into a world-class athlete.

“To Tyler’s parents and family, what an incredible job you did raising such a wonderful person,” said Padres pitcher Garrett Richards, a longtime teammate who was drafted by the Angels along with Skaggs in 2009.

The final speaker was Carli Skaggs, Tyler’s wife, who made a last-minute decision to share memories of her life since their marriage last winter.

“I didn’t think I’d be able to do it,” Carli Skaggs said. “Tyler gave me some strength.”

The current Angels and owner Arte Moreno were joined by former team members including longtime manager Mike Scioscia, Jered Weaver, Richards, David Freese and Matt Shoemaker. They were joined by Ryan Braun of the Brewers, Jack Flaherty of the Cardinals and former major leaguer Trevor Plouffe, all Los Angeles-area natives and friends of Skaggs.

Texas authorities aren’t expected to announce Skaggs’ cause of death until October, after laboratory testing is completed.

Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press The memorial service for Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs was held Monday at the St. Monica Catholic Church in Santa Monica.