By AP/KWMU
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kwmu/local-kwmu-584189.mp3
St. Louis, MO – Cardinals relief pitcher Josh Hancock, a key member of the bullpen that helped the team win last year's World Series, was killed in a car crash just after midnight this morning (Sunday).
The Cardinals said they were told of the 29-year-old reliever's death by the St. Louis Police Department. The team's home game against the Chicago Cubs tonight has been postponed.
Police say Hancock was driving a Ford Explorer westbound on I-64 when it struck a tow truck that had stopped in the far left lane; the accident happened at about 12:30 this morning at the Grand exit on I-64.
Police say the tow truck driver was in his truck with his emergency lights on; he was not injured. Hancock was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Cardinals and police are expected to make a statement this afternoon at Busch Stadium.
Hancock has pitched for four major league clubs. He went 3-3 in 62 regular-season appearances for the Cardinals last season and pitched in three postseason games. He was 0-1 with a 3.55 ERA in eight games this season.
Hancock joined the Cardinals before the 2006 season. He has pitched for Boston, Philadelphia and Cincinnati.
Hancock's is the second player death the team has had to deal with in five years. In June 2002, pitcher Darryl Kile was found dead in his hotel room shortly before a game, also against the Cubs.
Kile's uniform number, 57, has hanged in the Cardinals' bullpen since his death.