Skaggs remembered as 'genuine and caring'

Tyler Skaggs was remembered by those who loved him at a private celebration of life at Saint Monica Catholic Church in Santa Monica, Calif., on Monday. Skaggs died on July 1 at the team hotel in Southlake, Texas, at age 27.

With the Angels off on Monday, Angels players attended the memorial that had 14 speakers remember Skaggs in front of a full church that holds 900 members. Skaggs' teammate Andrew Heaney honored his late friend with a speech, while Skaggs' wife, Carli, was the last to speak, saying she didn’t think she could do it, but Skaggs gave her the strength.

"It didn't matter what you knew him by,” Heaney said. “He was the exact same person to everyone in here and everyone who was lucky enough to be near him. He was a truly genuine and caring person."

Others who attended the service included Angels owner Arte Moreno, former Angels manager Mike Scioscia and current and former Major Leaguers Ryan Braun, Jack Flaherty, Jered Weaver, Garrett Richards, David Freese, Chuck Finley, Bud Norris, C.J. Wilson, Tim Salmon and Trevor Plouffe. Braun missed Monday’s game against the Reds in Milwaukee. Former Angels vice president of communications Tim Mead, who is now the president of the Baseball Hall of Fame, was also among those who eulogized Skaggs.

“He was never afraid to truly be himself,” Heaney said. “The memory of his love, his loyalty, his work ethic and his self confidence, his friendship will always be with each and every one of us in our hearts and minds.”

Earlier in the day, the Major League Baseball Players Trust announced it is donating $45,000 to the Tyler Skaggs Baseball Foundation. MLBPA president Tony Clark released a statement about the donation, which correlates to Skaggs’ No. 45 jersey.

“Players are comforted to know that Tyler’s devotion and commitment to improving the lives of others will live on through this foundation,” Clark said. “Tyler was a man who not only understood the responsibilities that come along with being a Major Leaguer, but he readily embraced them with a joyful and giving spirit.”

Heaney was among several players who also released statements about the donation to Skaggs’ foundation.

“MLB Players are part of a tight family, and when a tragedy like this happens, we all grieve together,” said Heaney. “This donation is a way for us to honor the legacy of one of our brothers and help the foundation carry on the great work that Tyler Skaggs did in his community.”

Braun added: “Tyler was incredibly passionate about giving back to his community. This donation is meaningful to all players so that we can play a part in keeping his legacy alive.”

The family also announced that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made the Tyler Skaggs Baseball Foundation. Checks can also be sent to: 6300 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 880, Los Angeles, CA, 90048.