Tommy Watanabe, AppleSox pitcher passes away

The Wenatchee AppleSox paid tribute to Tommy Watanabe before Monday's season finale at Paul Thomas Sr. Field in Wenatchee.  It was announced that Watanabe, aged 20 died in his sleep over the weekend at his parents home.  He had been with the team until July 22nd, battling a back injury this season.  Watanabe had pitched two innings appearing in four games.

Read more about the tribute to Tommy Watanabe and the season finale on the AppleSox website

In tribute, the team announced Watanabe as the starting pitcher for the season finale. They took his jersey out to the pitchers mound before the game for a moment of silence and the pregame anthem. A Sacramento native, Watanabe was scheduled to attend University of Nevada-Reno this fall and previously pitched at the College of San Mateo.

The Wenatchee Apple Sox fell to Corvallis by a score of 12-1