Brian Bluhm (estrepe1) - Page 11

billfer · #**401** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 07:24 AM

Oh my Lord. I just read this article from the Cedar Rapids Gazette.
http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pb...7037/1001/NEWS

I went to the same elementary school (different years) but that means that we lived within a mile of each other.

Amish Love Machine · #**402** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 07:34 AM

Wow....

I am speechless right now. This is absolutely terrible news. My prayers are with his family.

Yoda · #**403** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by belcherboy

Drew and Mike talked about him this morning.

Wow, what did they say?

Oblong · #**404** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 07:55 AM

That's right, Drew played ball at VT. I forgot about that.

Rebbiv · #**405** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 07:56 AM

I first encountered Brian in 1999 on the ESPN Tiger Message Board. At the time, he was about 17. Even then, his knowledge and insight was beyond his years. I am thankful a message was left on the ESPN Board, otherwise I would not have known about it. Brian, as well as many ex-ESPN posters, had encouraged me over the years to come here to post. I have been very reluctant. This event has convinced me to come here more often now.

As a Tiger Fan who grew up in Michigan till High School graduation, I have yet to live in MI since (almost 29 years now). I know how important message boards are to "displaced" fans. I thank all of you for welcoming Brian into your family and I firmly believe having a place like this helped him immensely.

I will cherish the early years of me knowing Brian. RIP Brian.

DaYooperASBDT · #**406** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 08:44 AM

What a tremendous feeling of loss and emptiness I'm having, and I'm sure the rest of you "morons" are having that same feeling right now. Brian was the heart and soul of this great on-line community. I learned so much from him, and he set a terrific example for the rest of us "morons" to follow. It's up to all of us here to carry on, and honor Brian's memory by keeping this great board going strong.

Please keep his family and many friends in your prayers, as Brian walks on into the arms of Jesus.

Madmanrick · #**407** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 08:53 AM

I am at a loss for words...While I never actually met Brian, we shared a love of all things Tigers and I read his thoughts and comments with interest. I thought the terrible tragedy that occurred on Monday was bad enough, without even knowing anyone, however so fleeting. Now, it is too very close to home and almost overwhelming.

Brian, may your soul rest in peace, you are missed and your memory shall be kept alive by all that knew and loved you.

HeyAbbott · #**408** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 09:00 AM

Brian left a leagacy of civility here and was a wonderful poster. Although I never met him, I feel as if I have lost a family member, because, in so many ways, this board is family.

Rest in Peace Brian. May the lord hold you and your family eternally in peace and love

DaYooperASBDT · #**409** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDaddyCool

That is simply beautiful.

Mark The Shark · #**410** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 09:02 AM

I didn't know Brian, except as a poster who's opinions I repected and usually agreed with. Still, he was kind enough to send me a note of congradulations when I passed the bar exam, an act from reading these tribute threads that seems so much in character for him.

He'll certainly be missed, even by people that didn't really "know" him like me.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

HeyAbbott · #**411** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 09:02 AM

Brian was a wonderful poster on this board. For me, this is like losing a member of the family, because, wen we share our thoughts and hope, even on a BBS or a blog, we become interconnected in avery powerful way.

Rest in peace, Brian and may all the blessings and peace be given to you and your loved ones.

IdahoBert · #**412** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 09:33 AM

You know, when I found out about Brian's death Monday night my first reaction was shock, horror, shouting and tears. I naively thought that would be it. But I wasn't expecting what I am now experiencing. As time wears on the real grief is setting in. Although my mind knew all along that he was gone forever, my heart is now catching up with that reality and my heart is broken.

I just can't believe, even now, that we will never again see a post of his with his green light on. This is so hard. My prayers are no longer just with Brian and his family, but with all the people on this board that are grieving as well. It's going to take quite a while for a lot of us to travel through this cycle of grief.

Crosseye · #**413** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 09:34 AM

It's been a while since I posted here...but if memory serves correctly I recall being in the Chat Room during Tigers Spring Training games a few years back (during the glorious Jose Macias Gold Glove days) and chatting with Brian giving updates off the radio.

Great guy from what I recall then & wish I would've been around here more to chat with him and all the rest of you. A tragic lose to be certain.

jake · #**414** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 10:19 AM

I can't believe this. I specifically came to the site a few minutes ago to see what Estrepe was saying about the shooting. This is what I found.

dadair6 · #**415** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 10:24 AM

I haven't had a computer on since Monday afternoon, so to say I'm stunned is an understatement. I never really had any extended contact with Brian, but every time I saw the Hobbes avatar I made it a point to read the post, regardless of the topic. His knowledge of the Tigers was unmatched and he was always respectful to others' opinions, never resorting to personal attacks to the opposite viewpoint. It's people like him that make this one of the best online message boards around.

Not only did this community lose one of the good ones, so did our planet.

Sports_Freak · #**416** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 10:30 AM

So sad to hear. I don't come here as often as I should, but I always read his posts because they were well thought out. My heart goes out to all the victims of this senseless rampage and it seems the victims extend beyond just those who were gunned down. It showed class when the Tigers had a moment of silence in Brian's honor.

Jon

IdahoBert · #**417** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rebbiv

I first encountered Brian in 1999 on the ESPN Tiger Message Board. At the time, he was about 17. Even then, his knowledge and insight was beyond his years. I am thankful a message was left on the ESPN Board, otherwise I would not have known about it. Brian, as well as many ex-ESPN posters, had encouraged me over the years to come here to post. I have been very reluctant. This event has convinced me to come here more often now.

As a Tiger Fan who grew up in Michigan till High School graduation, I have yet to live in MI since (almost 29 years now). I know how important message boards are to "displaced" fans. I thank all of you for welcoming Brian into your family and I firmly believe having a place like this helped him immensely.

I will cherish the early years of me knowing Brian, including participating in a Baseball Fantasy league. RIP Brian.

Welcome to the board.

baseball3 · #**418** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 10:48 AM

I really miss our guy:

Estrepe1

It's just not the same at the moment, but, in his honor, it WILL BE !!!

Moonlight Graham · #**419** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 11:00 AM

I posted my thoughts on Brian in the 4-17 game thread. I decide to cut and paste a portion of that post and share it with all in the thread.

===================

..... Once the concession game was over I was able to relax and watch the game yet kept thinking about VT and Brian. As the game moved on and into the 7th inning, Polonco got a triple. After ball one to Sheffeld, I put my hands together and quitely said twice, do it for Brian, and the next pitch was line drive down the line and all I did was look at the umpire and then he pointed fair ball. I then looked at the flag at half staff and gave it a wink and said to myself, you were good kid. At that moment I decide that as I would leave the stadium, I would go by the statues and make my peace.

As the 8th inning started, we headed out (I was with my 7 year and yes it was a school night, my wife and daughter left at 9:30). We watched the Tigers bat in the 8th inning and saw Polonco's winning hit. I just pumped my fist in the air ala Herb Brooks. I then went to each statue starting from Horton to Kaline and kissed my hand and touch the feet of each player saying, rest in peace Brian with Kaline being the last one I said rest in peace my friend. I then hugged my son and told him I loved him and we moved on.

I never met Brian or don't even recall having any correspondence with him but he was a valuable member of this community and I felt I at least owned him the respect of saying a few thoughts even if it was through the Tiger statues.

Rest in peace my friend.

slim pickens · #**420** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 11:13 AM

The Big Show on 1270am right now are talking about Brian, they are reading our posts out loud over the air.

redshark63 · #**421** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 11:17 AM

Who is that talking right now??

Who is Duane?

This is really nice.

Thanks guys

slim pickens · #**422** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redshark63

Who is that talking right now??

Who is Duane?

This is really nice.

That was tyrus who just called in.
Great job Tyrus, but Monroe hit the grand slam, not Inge!

potthole · #**423** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slim pickens

The Big Show on 1270am right now are talking about Brian, they are reading our posts out loud over the air.

Whose have they read?

redshark63 · #**424** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slim pickens

That was tyrus who just called in.
Great job Tyrus, but Monroe hit the grand slam, not Inge!

Nice Tyrus.

slim pickens · #**425** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by potthole

Whose have they read?

Yours was one.

potthole · #**426** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 11:36 AM

Which one?

dettigfan222 · #**427** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 11:54 AM

I don't post regurlarly. But I've been a regular reader of this board for a very long time.

I was sitting here at work, and just thinking about the whole situation. I see CMU organizing many cards to send to VaTech. I see my fraternity putting together a card to send to the house at VaTech. These things are great, but what hit me is how I am hit hard by this and I'm not even a regular poster. I just sit and amazed at how one incident like this can truly affect an entire nation. Sure we know it happened, but how many people on this board (regular posters, lurkers, whoever) felt connected to Brian because of this board. The tragedy hits home even more to us just because we visit here.

Brian, your family and friends are in my prayers. Motownsports, you all are in my prayers.

monkeytargets37 · #**428** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slim pickens

The Big Show on 1270am right now are talking about Brian, they are reading our posts out loud over the air.

Is there a way we can get a copy of their show today?

realm_3 · #**429** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 02:21 PM

I never knew Estrepe's name. He started posting on the ESPN Tigers board (where I usually post at) in 1999. He and I would argue often, over alot of things, but I always had respect for his opinion, because it was often based in facts. He never went into a thread without an idea or a great deal of factual evidence to support that idea. There wasn't a person he couldn't hold his own with. He and the rest of you guys had been missed since this board's inception. Now, he's missed period.

He had a good mind. Not just about baseball, but the vast variety of subjects the board used to wander down back then. He was very bright, you could see it in his postings.

It's sobering. It's sad. Tigers fandom has lost one of it's best, and he will be missed.

witz57 · #**430** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 04:04 PM

a friend of mine emailed to say that there was mention of brian at http://www.deadspin.com/

it's in the post with dimitri young's picture wearing a VT hat.

ChiSox620 · #**431** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 04:04 PM

Just came to the site and saw the sad disturbing news. I would like to offer my condolences to Brian, his family, and everyone here in his Tigers family. While im a whitesox fan...maybe the Tigers can win him a world series this year...Ill be pulling for them! My thoughts and prayers are with everyone.

ChiSox620

MelissaG915 · #**432** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 05:11 PM

I just wanted to say to those who haven't posted in a while, welcome back, we've missed you.

tigerbomb13 · #**433** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 05:13 PM

I just posted this in another thread, but WDIV has a segment on Brian on their webpage.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/index.html

Go to the "clickon video" on the right side of the screen.

tigerkid23 · #**434** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 05:29 PM

I just had my first "Brian is really gone" moment, and I almost went to tears. I was looking around milb.com and was looking at Jurrjen's profile and it listed him at 165. I honestly thought to myself, "I'll go ask cruzer or estrepe if he had put on any weight" and then I remembered.

This is so tragic. Even though I never really knew him, I can't help but feel grief stricken. Just imagining what he went through when that bastard did what he did...it just makes me sick.

Doctor Detroit · #**435** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 05:38 PM

I found this out today. I don't post an awful lot here but most of my posts were directly to or through estrepe. When I saw the alias I was numb. He suggested I be included in the Tigers HOF voting because he respected my knowledge and having read his in-depth analysis and his complete mastery of the Tigers, I was actually honored.

I'm not someone who looks at faceless internet posters that often and feel impressed but he always impressed me. So much so that a few weeks ago when we got into a debate about Sean Casey, I sent him an apology and told him he was by far my favorite poster at Motown Sports. He said "no problem, see you at Camden next year (I'm moving to the D.C. area next year most likely)."

Look, I don't apologize very often. That's the point. This guy was different. He was positive, he was thoughtful, and he knew more about the Tigers than anyone I ever read/met. Just Saturday I thought to myself, "how does this guy know so much more than me? What can I do to match that knowledge base?" And I couldn't think of an answer! I couldn't think of any way I could ever know more than him.

God Bless his family and peace to all those here and everywhere else Brian made an impact. The internet is a much smaller community than we realize and if you are a fervent Tigers fan, it's even smaller. He will be missed more than he could ever know.

Oblong · #**436** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 05:48 PM

Brian, I just wanted to say one more time that we miss you. I sincerely wish I had gotten to know you more than I did. I wish you could have come up here for a game. I would have loved to have treated you. Just last week when you were at the Baltimore game I thought about the possibility of you coming up this summer. The last thing I remember talking with you about was the names on the HOF out in the outfield. I'll always think of you when I see those names. And if the day comes that Sam Crawford gets his statue, I'll be sure to think of you then as well.

If we miss you this much then it hurts to think how much your family and friends miss you. The more we've learned about you the past 36 hours the more we realized that you would have been a great engineer and a great husband and father. To his family and friends, we mourn with you. You were lucky to have known him. Something good will come out of this. Whenever tragedy strikes we amaze ourselves and this will be no different.

God Bless all of you.

catswithbats · #**437** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 05:51 PM

I just happened to turn on on NBC News and saw his picture on the screen, as they profiled some of the victims. It was a surreal moment.

chuckles396 · #**438** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigerkid23

I was looking around milb.com and was looking at Jurrjen's profile and it listed him at 165. I honestly thought to myself, "I'll go ask cruzer or estrepe if he had put on any weight" and then I remembered.

I hear that. Part of me has been waiting for him to stop by the minor league forum and say something, anything about our minor league guys.

zachcadillac · #**439** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 06:04 PM

Brian also appeared in this morning's Louisville Courier-Journal:

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/...WS01/304180010

tigersfan25 · #**440** (**permalink**) 04-18-2007, 06:11 PM

I just feel so bad and horrific about it... I'm surprised how many of the people around me in my life seem to understand WHY I'm so upset about this. I mean, Brian was a contact over the net who I semi-frequently had discourse with. He was such a dependable contact for Detroit Tigers information, as well as for politics, and life issues as well

Anybody that knows me as a poster well enough knows that there's no other poster on this board that agreed with more often than Brian. There were numerous times when I posted more often where he'd often beat me to the punch posting something... I'd simply have to agree with him after that :)

I, however, feel a lot of guilt (probably not warranted) for the lack of participation I've had in the board in recent memory. My posts have been more few and far between... I know Brian never forgot me, but I just wish I could talk to him again. To see the name "estrepe1" on the users online list. We had talked so little in the past four months... and I regret that most of all.

These things are just so unpredictable... so many things I could have done differently, but didn't. I know I shouldn't felel guilty about this... but it hurts. Like nothing I have felt for a long time.