The minor league pitcher by the name of John C. Odom, who was traded for 10 bats, had later on found himself to have a more broken life in Georgia compared to any discarded bat within the clubhouse. Odom ended up dead in Georgia because of mixed drug overdose. To confirm, the medical examiner said Odom died in Georgia last Nov. 5 at the young age of 26. The condition was an accidental overdose from methamphetamine, heroin, the stimulant benzylpiperazine as well as alcohol.

Nevertheless, the NBC story documents that he have a great life when he is still living. He is a pitcher in the Giants system, free spirit, guitarist; but he is having a broken spirit. Tim Linecum, Giants pitcher on the other hand, said that the death is really saddening for the industry. From the start, the death of Odom had really stirred up the emotions of people especially during the start of spring training this year. These days, managers, former teammates, and club officials are all left with a question that may never have the right answer to.

Dan Shwam who managed Odom last year at the Laredo Broncos said that the player is indeed bothered by this trade thing that is going around. He further added that knowing Odom’s background, the thing had driven him again to the battle hence he is left with nothing but to use drugs once more. Furthermore, Shwam said that there were some demons that are bound to chase him for quite a long time. However, he confirmed that there is really no way to know if the trade did this.

Back then, Odom seemed to handle everything quite well. In fact, he agreed to interviews and even kidded about the kooky deal and confirmed that it will make a great story when he managed to reached the majors someday. But Odom had witnessed a big dose of trouble during his entire life; he is famous as the long-haired guitar playing man with real talent but had troubles of his own. To add, after the bat trade, troubles puffed up. Last June 5 in Amarillo, the “Batman” theme played while the late Odom tried to warm up for Laredo as he tipped his cap to the sound booth. However, for eight runs in 3 1-3 innings, he was battered, which end up to the ruthless taunting done by the crowd.

Shwam said that the whole chanting and catcalls are all beyond acceptable to the point that he has the need to get Odom out of the crowd for his own good. It’s not right to see how things are falling apart, right in front of one’s eyes, Shwam even said.

When Shwam observed that Odom was falling apart, he eventually called a meeting in order to put a stop from all the nasty talks about the trade or the bat. However, on the next day, Odom showed up saying that he can no longer take things so he had the need to go home.

And from that, Odom disappeared. He never witnessed the steroid scandals facing the Major League and the players which he dreamed to become one.

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