Rest in Peace Brian Bluhm(aka VTTigers)

by Bondomania on Apr 17, 2007 1:07 AM EDT Comment 67 comments

If you don't mind John I would like to have this thread in tribute to a great soul. I never met Brian in real life, but we had discussed our love of Tiger baseball and baseball in general numerous times.

Brian was one of the 32 victims today on the Virgina Tech campus. All day we had assumed he was just caught up in the chaos and would let us know he was alright later on. We now find out that will never happen. On this day Brian had his life taken away from him much much too early.

I'm still in a complete state of shock as I write this.

I wasn't sure as to give this out, but I feel for some reason its important to put a face to someone we all knew by name.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=125667083

This is actually his sisters space, but you will see Brian at the top.

VT words cannot explain how I and everyone who had the privilege of being your acquaintance, will truly and deeply miss you.....

RIP Brother.

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RIP Brian...

in all truthfulness, until today I thought you were a Tigers fan from Vermont. Looking over your posting history across several boards it seemed like you were a true seam-head and you will be missed.

I don't think organizing a cross-board 5 minute moratorium on posting would be out of order.

by templeUsox on Apr 17, 2007 1:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

May God rest your soul

and you know, I don't obviously know you but despite that, you are fan of sports just like us and just a human in general and you will be miss.

R.I.P.
VTTigers

by NYYLover1000 on Apr 17, 2007 1:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I seriously can't find the words....

.....but I wanted to say something, since I'm so stunned and sad. VT seemed like a really great person on these boards, and I'm shaken that I'll never get to read one of his posts again. And that makes me realize how devastated the people who actually had a face to put to his name all these years must be right now. Tragic. Know that you will be missed, though.

by bleedjaxblue on Apr 17, 2007 1:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i went back

and read some of his last posts and like everyone else has said, i cannot express in words, the true sorrow i feel for this loss of human life. just yesterday, he was posting about cameron maybin and today he was gone. bless you and your family brian.

Giants '08

by z4 landshark on Apr 17, 2007 1:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You will be missed

It is sad to see someone with so much passion for life and baseball taken at such a young age. God bless you and your family VTTigers.

by wibadger on Apr 17, 2007 1:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If you look close...

on Brians Myspace you'll see a tremendous gesture by one of nicest people in major league baseball.

I find it very fitting. Thank you Curtis.

by Bondomania on Apr 17, 2007 1:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thank You

Thank you for bringing attention to that, I now have a new favorite player.

by roboz on Apr 17, 2007 1:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What was it/And Who By

His page is now listed as "Private"?

"May all your sliders break across two planes"

by Dfarth on Apr 17, 2007 3:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ahh Nevermind

I assume Curtis is Curtis Granderson...

"May all your sliders break across two planes"

by Dfarth on Apr 17, 2007 3:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Private profile...

Brian's profile is private, so I cannot read with Curtis Granderson (assuming that's who you were referring to) said, but if is not inconvenient, or you feel it would not be inappropriate, could you tell us?

Brian always seemed to be one of the good guys. I never recall him getting into flame wars with other people here. Shoot, I always looked forward to seeing what he had to say because I have Verlander on a keeper team. He will be missed on this and other online blogsites, but no where near as much as he will be missed by his family. My thoughts go out to them and hope they can celebrate his life like he probably would have wanted.

R.I.P. Brian. The day is darker without you here.

by Boxkutter on Apr 17, 2007 5:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah,

it was curtis granderson,
he basically left him a comment saying RIP.
no one else had left any like that, just him,
so he must've gone pretty in depth looking for any information.

by god allah star on Apr 17, 2007 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

granderson

you never hear anything but good stuff about that guy.

by wily mo on Apr 17, 2007 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

re:

I just found Curtis Granderson's Myspace account, and he has moved Brian to be first on his friends list. Classy move by a classy player.

It's a shame that things like this go unmentioned in the media while things like Imus, Duke LaCrosse, Pacman Jones, etc get all the front page news.

by Boxkutter on Apr 17, 2007 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1 - Classy move by Granderson!

The "cream of the crop" doesn't always rise to the top.

by indiansfan on Apr 17, 2007 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

I'm truly shocked. VTTigers was a great guy, and my thoughts and prayers tonight are with everyone whose lives he touched, including all of us here at minorleagueball.

by Yakker on Apr 17, 2007 2:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sigh

I've known Brian as VTTigers and Estrepe1 on several message boards for the better part of a decade. He was an outstanding sports fan, and an even better person.

As time is passing, this just isn't getting any easier.

by zimm on Apr 17, 2007 2:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Tragic

to say the least. So long VT...

by BoydsOfSummer on Apr 17, 2007 2:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Looking at his sisters face...

...breaks my heart. I feel like I shouldn't have looked but...its just so sad. I just don't understand. I meen to start anything political at this time, really but, can WE, as a society, begin to get rid of guns now? We could if it was important to us.

casedog

by casejud on Apr 17, 2007 2:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RIP Brian Bluhm

...

by AucklandGM on Apr 17, 2007 2:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This is awful

Bright lives should not be ended so early.

Condolences to the families of all those who have lost loved ones.

You will be missed Brian.

by erudite on Apr 17, 2007 3:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow - Unbelievable

I'm just so sad to hear this news. He was so high on Gorkys Hernandez (kept talking about how big of a sleeper he was) that I may have to adopt him as a favorite player as my own tribute. I'm just speechless - prayers to VTTigers and his family.

"May all your sliders break across two planes"

by Dfarth on Apr 17, 2007 3:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RIP Brian Bluhm!

Hello everyone,

Like templeUsox, until today, I too thought he was a Tigers fan from Vermont.

My, how the world can change in the blink of an eye. He was posting here the other day, and now, he's gone. Very sad. :-(

Like casejud, looking at his sister's face breaks my heart as well - I can't imagine what she and the rest of his/her family are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with them and with all those who have been affected by the tragic event at Virginia Tech on Monday.

RIP Brian Bluhm (VTTigers) - you will also be missed here at MinorLeagueBall.com.

The "cream of the crop" doesn't always rise to the top.

by indiansfan on Apr 17, 2007 3:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

this.

this is absurd.

i didn't know brian. it's unnerving to hear that someone who posted to the same message board as you has died, but it can't possibly compare to what the people who really knew him are going through. if you cared that much about everyone, you wouldn't be able to live.

but you can respect him. i take moments like this and try to remind myself about everyone. the VT students who died today. the people who died in iraq today - american and iraqis both - where they're having about six of these massacres a day. everyone who died alone, in a car crash or a hospital, in america or africa or paraguay. they all had family, they all had friends.

jackie robinson was alive. brian was alive. you and i are alive, but even that's temporary. we should try to hang together. people are people. the other guy's looking out from his eyes, just like you're looking out from yours.

i'm not sure what i'm talking about. there's nothing you can say, really.

by wily mo on Apr 17, 2007 4:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I understand

what you're saying and that words cant describe sometimes its just too much thanx

casedog

by casejud on Apr 17, 2007 5:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Horrible Tragedy

Hopefully your family can see this and see how much you will be missed even by a group of people you've never met. My thoughts and prayers go out to VTTigers and his family.

by Guyute on Apr 17, 2007 4:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bondomania

Thanks for posting this. I'd rather know about things like this than to assume everyone here is anonymous and intangible. These boards get a little heated sometimes, and it is worth remembering that they're just a place where a few people with something in common can check in from their real lives. Very sad.

by siddfynch on Apr 17, 2007 4:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Very sad

Thank you for posting this Bondo. It was very thoughtful of you.

As was said already, if Brian managed to touch our cyber lives you can only imagine the impact upon those who really knew him.

I must say how amazing it is in these internet times to think about how many faceless fine people we interact with on a daily basis. It's very easy to take for granted.

My thoughts are with all the families touched by the Virginia Tech tragedy. I agree with Wily Mo that we should reflect on everyone that has to deal with tragedy, but for me the victims in this incident at VTech seem even more random and innocent.

I think that God in creating Man somewhat overestimated his ability. - Oscar Wilde

by Skellig on Apr 17, 2007 6:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No words, only gesture

I don't know what to say, but I feel that offering some words of solace and solidarity with everyone else on this site will be a small tribute to Brian. Sadly, he deserves much more, as do anyone whose life is cut short needlessly and helplessly. I hope that his family will read here how people that Brian hardly knew could honestly say that they knew him to be a good person. RIP Brian Bluhm.

Jim Leyland:manager-Ty Cobb:player

by TigerFanInCleveland on Apr 17, 2007 6:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sad and unfortunate event

He was a very intelligent baseball fan and fellow diehard Tiger fan. What a horrible event this was to take so many lives. Sometimes it just seems unreal the things that happen in our world.

by mcq fesijiba on Apr 17, 2007 6:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Heartbreaking

I came to this site today as a refuge from the news, only to find this horrible news. It really put a human face to the tragedy and confirmed again that one cannot escape from news like this.

To Brian's family -- I didn't exactly know him, but he seemed to be a great, classy, knowledgable and enjoyable individual and I know I will miss his posts. My condolensces... the World is a poorer place today.

by BIgMax on Apr 17, 2007 7:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

tough tough

like everybody else, tough to find words, and even tho he was a poster on here who I never met, it does hit too close to home. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all the others involved. Thanks Brian Bluhm

"The only guy I can compare to Tim Lincecum is Tim Lincecum." -Giants AAA Manager

by jrose643 on Apr 17, 2007 7:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This is terrible

I'm pretty speechless. The only thing that comes to mind is "senseless." I went back to look at his posts like some had suggested... his last post here was in response to one of my posts. I'm never going to understand why stuff like this happens.

My thoughts are with his family as well as everyone who was affected by yesterday.

RIP Brian.

by slurve on Apr 17, 2007 7:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

aye

and his post was right below mine...eery...and im so sad right now, for all the family/friends without their loved ones right now...unfortunately, i know what it feels like to lose a loved one suddenly...in the blink of an eye...not murdered...but i don't know if the means is what really matters so much as the fact that there is just an unbearable loss and that's all you can feel...

by daveh33 on Apr 17, 2007 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thoughts to his family and friends

Words cannot express what a difficult time this has to be for his family and friends, all of my thoughts and prayers go out to you.

I can only say that it is a terrific thing that Brian found something he was passionate about and that we where all lucky enough to have him share that with us.

He will be missed and remembered

by Pitt craws on Apr 17, 2007 8:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I

Read this last night and still don't know what to say.

1941 .406

by FrozenTed9 on Apr 17, 2007 8:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

my condolences

Brian always had well thought out posts and was a valuable member of this community. We are lesser for not having him around. God Bless.

by hotshotschamp on Apr 17, 2007 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

RIP Brian Bluhm

by pedrophile on Apr 17, 2007 9:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RIP Brian

I'm sorry I never got the chance to meet you in person.

My condolences to your family.

by count sutton on Apr 17, 2007 9:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh my God, how horrible

I didn't know Brian personally, but he was a fantastic poster on here and seemed like a great guy. My heart goes out to his friends and family.

RIP

by eazyb81 on Apr 17, 2007 9:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RIP Brian

Like most of you here, I didn't know Brian personally, but I am truly saddened by the news of his passing. I've been choking back tears since I read this post. Even though we may not have known Brian personally, we've known Brian as a baseball fan. It personalizes this tragedy for us all in the baseball community.

May God be with you and your family, Brian!

"Rule #76. No excuses, play like a champion!"

by andy 5 on Apr 17, 2007 10:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Response

All my condolences to his family and friends. This includes all of us here at the site.

I'd like to take a moment to note that as tragic as this situation is, it was nice to have a face to put to all of the comments. For me, this really emphasized that for many of us, this site has moved beyond a place for minds of a common interest to meet and into a true community.

Perhaps at some point we should consider the creation of a Myspace/Facebook group for members of the site to join. While I think that the continued effort to develop minorleagueball.com into a community is but a very small tribute to Brian (and certainly it will pale compared to those we shall see in the days to come), it is a remarkably enduring one even (and perhaps especially) in the worst circumstances.

by mrkupe on Apr 17, 2007 10:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RIP Brian

Like many have said before me, I didn't know Brian but I respected his thoughtful commentary here. I made an arbitrary comment the other day comparing Maybin's K rate to Brandon Wood's. It wasn't a condemnation of either player, just an observation. Brian responded, and I replied with an apology as I thought I might have offended a poster here I respect. It's amazing how just by someone conveying their thoughts on some like baseball can allow you to develop an appreciation of that person. I can only imagine what a great young man Brian was, just from what he wrote here. He will be missed by everyone who he came in contact with in a life cut much to short.

I don't get enjoyment out of reading baseball books. I'd rather watch a sci-fi movie on TV. -Joe Morgan, Emmy winning BASEBALL analyst

by gatling on Apr 17, 2007 10:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RIP Brian

Like many of you have mentioned, I too thought VTTigers was from Vermont. How I wish that were true for he and his family. How unbelievably sad.

by drwmsu1 on Apr 17, 2007 11:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RIP Brian

I've been increasingly lurking and reading more now rather than posting, but VTTigers had been a poster here for almost as long as I can remember - probably back into 2005.

He seemed like a very smart, level-headed guy. Lots of insight into his Tigers prospects.

He (and his posts) will be missed.

My condolences to his friends and family, and to everyone who lost a friend or a loved one yesterday.

by sasquatch83 on Apr 17, 2007 11:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow

It's sad, why does it have to be him? It must be much much much more tougher on people that actually know him. Rest in peace, Brian!

by playingwithfire on Apr 17, 2007 11:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thank you guys

Your thoughts and comments mean so much to so many people.

A poster over a MotownTigers.com had brought to our attention(almost forgot)a Ask B&A from 2005 on Baseball America's site that had a question posed from Brian himself.......of course that question involved Cameron Maybin.

This just further goes to show how much he loved baseball and the following of players paths thru their careers.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/columnists/askba05june.html

As a Tigers fan, I have been waiting for the team to develop some good talent for a long time. Is there reason for hope from new scouting director David Chadd's first draft for Detroit? I know that first-rounder Cameron Maybin was BA's No. 3-rated prospect. How good can he become? Was this a good draft class overall? I'm concerned about the college-heavy nature of this draft, since I feel like the Tigers system needs more high-ceiling prospects.

Brian Bluhm
Blacksburg, Va.

There's always reason for hope this close to draft day, because each team gets the guys at the top of its draft board when its picks roll around, and none of the players has had a chance to fail yet. OK, I've gotten my standard instant-draft-analysis caveat out of the way.

Maybin is a potential steal with the 10th overall pick in the draft. He'll need some time to develop, but he's a five-tool outfielder who compares very favorably to No. 1 choice Justin Upton. There was no red flag that caused Maybin to fall a little further than expected. He just didn't find a fit with the first nine clubs, most of whom were looking for someone who could reach the majors more quickly.

After Chadd left the Red Sox, who had an extreme college emphasis in 2003-04, I thought he might relish the opportunity to take more high school players. The Tigers didn't take a high schooler until tough sign David Adams in the 21st round and chose just 12 overall. But ultimately the value of the draft will be determined by the success of the players, and the demographics won't really matter. Detroit's draft has potential.

Detroit gave up its second-rounder to sign free agent Troy Percival. In the third round, the Tigers got a solid all-around catcher in Illinois' Chris Robinson. Their next three picks are all guys who have very high ceilings for their rounds.

Texas A&M righthander Kevin Whelan (fourth round) is a converted catcher who's just learning to harness a mid-90s fastball and two dastardly versions of a splitter. Arizona State first baseman Jeff Larish (fifth) once was projected as the best hitter in the 2004 draft class, and while he has slipped there's still some hitting talent in there. Outfielder Clete Thomas (sixth) never played up to his tools at Auburn, but he has considerable tools.

by Bondomania on Apr 17, 2007 11:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

this is awful

i know it's kind of selfish of me, but even though i was shocked yesterday when i heard about the shootings, a part of me was a little bit relieved because everybody i know at virginia tech (and it was dozens of people--i went to a science & tech high school in virginia, so you can imagine we sent a lot of kids to school at VT) graduated six or seven years ago. somehow, not knowing anybody made it easier for me to handle.

now there's this... just horrible. i'm sorry, i'm rambling.

RIP brian. god bless you and your family.

by jpahk on Apr 17, 2007 12:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

wow... to echo in John's Diary on the Main Page

Thanks John and Jeri for the support, its times like these that really show what type of little community we have here. Being a college student myself its scary to believe someone I sit next to in class could turn around and commit such a malicious act of violence. We all share the same passion that Brian did before his life was taken. Reading his posts puts a pit in my stomach things this could happen to any of us. He was an innocent person as were all 31 people. He will missed and may he rest in peace and live eternally in heaven.

~Josh

by JDSussman on Apr 17, 2007 12:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

found this. . .

Here is a forum site that explains a little more about who Brian was and what his interests were: http://environment.cod.vt.edu/NSB_PF.pl?tier=2&type=WQWQ&name=Bluhm,Brian

My prayers go out to his family.

The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. It reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again.

by Savoy on Apr 17, 2007 12:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

scroll down. . .

just a little bit and find his name and you can read what he posted.

The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. It reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again.

by Savoy on Apr 17, 2007 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rest in Peace

Rest in Peace Brian.

Jackson aka "Boris the Spider"

by BoristheSpider on Apr 17, 2007 1:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

we did know him

While I never met him in person I do feel we did know him. Not to the extent that family or friends do. Of course.

But looking at this diary and all the entries emphasizes that he did leave a mark here.

He was very passionate about baseball and especially about the Tigers and their prospects. But even in heated discussions he was polite and friendly. To me how you act in those moments means a lot. One of the last comments I remember of his was him thanking me for correcting him - and there was no hint of sarcasm. To me that is showing class.

RIP Brian Bluhm

by pedrophile on Apr 17, 2007 1:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Amen

by JDSussman on Apr 17, 2007 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

by count sutton on Apr 17, 2007 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

RIP VtTigers

Bondo,
Please let us know if you learn of any funds in Brian's name. Although most of us do not know him personally I'm sure plenty of us would like to make a contribution in his name. Thanks.

Con

by Con on Apr 17, 2007 1:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

+1

by BIgMax on Apr 17, 2007 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

There is also discussion on the MotownTigers.com blog of doing something like this. Ideas ranged from symbolic bricks (1 at the ballpark, 1 for his sister), up through donating to an anti-violence program at VT.

If you haven't read any of the posts over there yet, you should. If you thought VTTigers had an impact on this site, you'll be amazed at how much of an impact he had there as well. Just tragic. I'm still stunned.

Jim Leyland:manager-Ty Cobb:player

by TigerFanInCleveland on Apr 17, 2007 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Awful

What a terrible tragedy. I really enjoyed reading his posts and would often check out players he wrote about in Lakeland. He will be missed.

by PolkCountyRay on Apr 17, 2007 1:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

VTtigers....

I have nothing to add that hasn't been said already... This is beyond horrible. Brian -- VtTigers -- you've always been a respected and knowledgeable contributor on this board, and the community loses something without you.

Of course I never knew you out of this context, but if your posts are at all indicative of how you are in the real world, you're a heck of a guy. I hope and pray that you're in a better place right now.

R.I.P.

"I feel like I've been around long enough at shortstop to be the leader of Jose Castillo." -- Jack Wilson

by delomir on Apr 17, 2007 1:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RIP Brian

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord!

Such a senseless tragedy...

by BaseballBrain on Apr 17, 2007 1:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

words cannot describe

may you find peace Brian...

Markakis is the next Paul O'Neill

by realityconquest on Apr 17, 2007 2:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

more thoughts from Tiger Nation

I left an entry on the blog run by the Tigers' TV announcer, Mario Impemba, regarding Brian's passing and also to post the link to the minorleagueball community memorial that is being created. Mr. Impemba was kind enough to respond here:

******************

I appreciate you posting the sad news about Brian. It's always difficult to lose a great Tigers fan, especially in light of the tragedy. My thoughts are certainly with his family and friends.

Last edited by marioimpemba on April 17th at 11:23 AM.

Jim Leyland:manager-Ty Cobb:player

by TigerFanInCleveland on Apr 17, 2007 3:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Great Baseball Fan

What a tragedy. Thoughts and prayers to his friends and family and to the other friends and family members in this entire tragedy. Words can't express the true feelings of how horrible this whole situation is.

by MHD on Apr 17, 2007 3:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thoughts

This is a terrible tragedy, and the whole thing made me sick yesterday. Finding out someone here on this free ranging community was actually a victim of it breaks my heart.

I think it speaks volumes about him and his personality that basically random people were able to find this out and a group large enough in a relatively anonymous place to actually sympathize with him and his family. The response here from anonymous people makes it clearly evident of the kind of person he was.

God Bless.

by wildthang on Apr 17, 2007 3:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

he'll be missed

Never knew the guy, but I always respected his viewpoints and loved discussing Tigers baseball and prospects with him both here and elsewhere on the web.

by dj on Apr 17, 2007 5:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Prayers and Thoughts

I am kind new here, but this is just a horrible tragedy. I will pray for VT Tigers and all of the other victims of this awful event.

VT Tigers, I hope you soul has found its way to a better place.

by melonhead202 on Apr 17, 2007 7:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

My brother Brian

Thank you for all the love and support. My brother was so special to me. I am lost without him but know in time God will help me heal. I know my brother was a Christian so know he is in heaven. It is just so tough to deal with. I thank you so much for your kind words and please keep the prayers coming my family really needs them right now.
So many have lost a great friend and guide.
Please keep these post up here. In time I want to copy and read each one.
Thank you

by Bunny1369 on Apr 21, 2007 2:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs