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Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau mourned on field at Phillies game and around MLB after hockey world’s sudden loss
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Everything stopped at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Friday night as fans and the Phillies observed a moment of silence for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, two brothers from a beloved hockey family who grew up cheering on Philly teams.
MLB’s tributes to the Gaudreaus — who were struck and killed while riding bicycles in rural Salem County, New Jersey on Thursday night — extended far beyond the Philadelphia region where they grew up, with teams across the league including the Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds also mourning the beloved athletes at their games the day after the tragedy.
It wasn’t just baseball teams either, with soccer and even an international hockey game between Slovenia and Hungary opening with moments to honor the brothers.
“We join the sports world in mourning the passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau,” the Phillies posted on X. “The Phillies send their deepest condolences to the Gaudreau family, and to the entire NHL family for this seismic loss to their beloved community.”
Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 30: The Philadelphia Phillies observe a moment of silence in honor of Columbus Blue Jackets hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on August 30, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Drew Hallowell / Getty Images
Friday night, the Phillies stood on the field near the home dugout, with many players turning their eyes to the scoreboard, which displayed a collage of photos of Matthew and Johnny.
Cincinnati Reds’ and Cleveland Guardians’ tributes to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
We are heartbroken for our friends at the Blue Jackets with the tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. We send our deepest condolences to the Gaudreau family, their friends, the NHL and the entire Columbus Blue Jackets organization. pic.twitter.com/iEAfusOLJD
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) August 30, 2024
The loss of Johnny Gaudreau was felt especially in Ohio, where he played left wing for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the state’s only NHL team. Ohio’s two MLB teams both mourned the Gaudreau brothers at their home ballparks on Friday.
“We are heartbroken,” the Reds posted on social media prior to a game against the Milwaukee Brewers, along with a picture of the Gaudreaus on the scoreboard at Great American Ball Park.
Over at Progressive Field in Cleveland, the Guardians observed a moment of silence before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“Our hearts and deepest condolences are with the Gaudreau family, the entire @BlueJacketsNHL organization, and all who knew and loved Johnny and Matthew,” the Guardians posted on X.
