Daniel Volquez, father of Game 1 starter Edinson Volquez, dies at 63

Daniel Volquez, father of Kansas City Royals World Series Game 1 starter Edinson Volquez, died Tuesday at age 63 after battling heart disease.

The heartbreaking news broke about 20 minutes before Volquez was to take the hill in the most important start of his professional baseball career at Kauffman Stadium.

Hector Gomez of Z101 Digital was the first to report the news on Twitter.

BREAKING NEWS: Source: Edinson Volquez’s father, Daniel Volquez, died at age 63 due to heart disease. @z101digital @ZDeportes

— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) October 27, 2015

ESPN’s Marly Rivera confirmed the report as Volquez began his pregame warmup tosses in the bullpen.

Source close to the Volquez family confirms to @Enrique_Rojas1 and @ESPNDeportes that Edinson Volquez’s father died today in the DR

— Marly Rivera ~ ESPN (@MarlyRiveraESPN) October 27, 2015

As baseball fans on social media absorbed the shocking news and expressed their condolences, it remained unclear if or when Volquez had been informed.

Our%20 @Enrique_Rojas1%20reporting%20that%20Edinson%20Volquez%20learned%20about%20his%20father's%20death%20on%20the%20way%20to%20the%20ballpark%20today.

—%20Buster%20Olney%20(@Buster_ESPN)%20October%2028,%202015%20“>One report from Enrique Rogas says Volquez learned on his way to the ballpark. However, Kansas City Star columnist Vahe Gregorian spoke to the Royals and learned a different story. The would not release any information, other than to state that Volquez had no knowledge of the news.

Royals say can’t confirm death of Volquez’s father, say Volquez has no knowledge of it as ESPN reports he learned of it on way to park.

— Vahe Gregorian (@vgregorian) October 28, 2015

So there Volquez was, pitching in Game 1 of the World Series with the worst possible news awaiting him on the other side of his outing. He pitched well, too, holding the New York Mets to three runs over six innings. That kept Kansas City in the game, allowing them to rally and tie the game in the seventh inning.

According to the Fox broadcast, Volquez was joined by his family immediately following his removal from the game and then informed of the news.

It was also reported that his wife requested the information be withheld until he was done pitching.

Am told on broadcast Fox said Royals told them Volquez’s wife didn’t want him to know before game https://t.co/IwSi5hBhhZ

— Vahe Gregorian (@vgregorian) October 28, 2015

Obviously, the circumstances are unique and extremely sensitive. Some tough days lie ahead for Volquez and his family, but we’re sure his father would be very proud of his performance on Tuesday.

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