The Amherst baseball family lost one of its own when Alex Hero ’14 passed away on Thanksgiving morning. At the young age of 23 years, Alex was only six months into the next chapter of his life, having graduated from Amherst in May. His passing is a reminder to us all that the blessing of life is fragile and precious. Alex chose to live his life as a sprint, bounding from activity to activity and interest to interest with great zeal. As a teammate observed about Alex, his energy had the ability to light up a room.
I remember recruiting Alex. At one point in the recruiting process, I drove to see him play in a soccer game at The Hill School. I was rewarded for the five-hour drive with the opportunity to watch a young Alex bounce around the field with energy and grace. The great joy that Alex brought to the game was contagious as he orchestrated the banter between the two teams. After the game Alex zipped to a meeting; as president of the student body he was fighting the good fight to improve the quality of food in the cafeteria. It was clear to me that Alex loved being “in the mix” and that he would leave his mark on Amherst in the same way that he did at Hill.
Alex arrived at Amherst with the same joie de vivre that he displayed on the soccer field at Hill. On the baseball field he was a superbly talented athlete; he was explosive, he could run, and he had a beautiful left-handed swing. But, to say Alex was “naturally gifted” would devalue the great effort that he put into developing his skills and style. Alex was a talented tennis player before taking up baseball. From his childhood years of playing tennis, Alex developed great hand-eye coordination and quick hips, two aspects of the baseball swing that would make him one of the most capable middle-of-the line-up hitters in Div. III baseball.
Few players could track a ball in the outfield like Alex and even fewer would do so with such reckless abandon. This sounds harsh, but it is true and it led to many spectacular catches during the past four years. It was Alex’s stubborn mentality that led him to refuse to give up on flyballs. This personality trait was a big reason why he developed himself into such a talented college baseball player. Due to his coming to the game of baseball later than most kids, he was learning the nuances of the game when he arrived at Amherst. Alex’s stubbornness made him inquisitive and dedicated to learning the craft of hitting, baserunning and defense. By the middle of his senior year, Alex had figured out all three: He finished his senior year with the third highest batting average on the team and twenty stolen bases. Alex was a career .339 hitter, with 23 doubles and 47 stolen bases during his four years at Amherst.
Alex could not stand losing, more so, he wouldn’t forgive himself for letting his teammates down. This allowed him to perform in clutch situations. For example, I look back fondly on the many times when Alex was given the sign to bunt —Alex was not a good sacrifice bunter, nor did he like doing so — and he would either pretend to “miss” the sign, or bunt the ball foul until he had two strikes. Then, with his back to the wall, he hit a single or a double. After the hit, he’d have his trademark smirk as if to say “I had it all the way!” I will miss that smirk.
Honoring Alex’s legacy wouldn’t be complete without recognizing the love and support that he received from his coaches, friends, and teammates. Alex had many mentors who looked out for him and challenged him during his time at Amherst. They helped him grow to appreciate the college, to show support for his teammates, and to learn the discipline necessary to hone his baseball skillset. Alex had a core group of friends with whom he shared a unique bond. They looked out for him, becoming the brothers that he never had. Alex was at his best when he was surrounded by his friends; he had a true desire to make his friends and teammates happy.
Direct your attention to the picture that accompanies this tribute. It shows the beauty of Alex’s swing — a combination of power and grace — in harmony with the sunlight of a New England spring afternoon. His teammates — notably two of his classmates Taiki and Eric—are watching in the background, a metaphor that Alex’s teammates were constantly watching out for him and that Alex’s style of play had a way of drawing attention. Please follow the link below to view pictures that show the beauty in the way that Alex played baseball.
I will close with a reflection from David Cunningham ’16 who is a baseball and hockey student-athlete. David’s reflection gives us insight into the bond that was shared — and will continue to be shared — between Alex and those he loved.
May Alex’s legacy live on in the actions of his coaches, teammates, and friends. We will miss Alex, but we won’t forget him and we won’t allow his spirit to venture far from our hearts.
As the uninviting, brisk winterish air painted my face during a typical hockey pre-game trek from Crossett Dormitory to Orr Arena, I atypically paused on the path of Memorial Hill, which overlooks the baseball diamond. I could see him standing out there in center field so vividly: hands on his hips, the oversized glove, the undersized pants, with the classic sideways, eyes barely open, “Hero” grin radiating towards the infield. I could perfectly hear his squawking, sarcastic remarks, Happy Gilmore quotes and irrelevant “Heroisms” echoing through the outfield. Even though he is gone, it all seemed so vivid and brilliant.
That was the way Alex Hero lived his life: vibrantly. Every action taken, word spoken, or look given demanded immediate, and utter attention. His life was defined by emotion, and his effect on people was inescapable; his energy had an unparalleled ability to infiltrate the mind, body, and spirit of anyone he came in contact with. Even though his time on Earth is over, a little piece of him lives on through each and every person he knew: the legacy of Alex Hero is forever continued.
I will remember Alex as the person I could always call on, no matter my circumstance, or his. Whether I wanted a partner to laugh and watch Sushi documentaries at 1 a.m., or needed someone to be miserable with after striking out four times against a left-handed pitcher, Alex was there without any questions asked. It was these times that made our relationship truly idiosyncratic and purposeful, and defined who Alex was in my eyes. Incomparably unique, perpetually charismatic, Alex Hero was undoubtedly one of a kind.
Al, we never got to save all the whales, fix up that pink bike in the social quad, or ride squirrel suits from the top of Memorial Hill onto the pitcher’s mound as our names were called during introductions, but we had some Goddamn amazing, unforgettable times. You took me under your wing, helped define my Amherst experience and had a knack for making every moment memorable.
As I stood in the unforgiving cold on Memorial Hill, looking down at centerfield, I could still feel your presence. I know you’ll always be with us, our angel in the outfield.
Rest easy 7. I am forever grateful for having known you.
