Pat Neshek Baby Dies 23 Hours After Birth: Oakland Athletics Pitcher and Wife Mourn Son's Unexpected Death

The newborn baby son of Oakland Athletics pitcher Pat Neshek and his wife Stephanee sadly died just 23 hours after his birth on Tuesday. In an emotional, heart-wrenching tweet sent out early on Thursday, Neshek informed fans about the unfortunate news, writing that son Gehrig John Neshek had passed away with no explanation. He asks fans to pray for his family.

Everything seemed to be going well on Wednesday - Stephanee Neshek sent out this exciting tweet announcing the arrival of little Gehrig:

@StephaneeNeshek: "It's a boy Gehrig John Neshek...8 lbs 5 oz, born 10/2/12. Pat flew Oakland to FL just in time for birth! #playoffbaby."

Just the day before, Pat Neshek sent out this tweet:

@PatNeshek: "What a day, my wife is now in labor! #playoffbaby."

But just a few hours after Stephanee's initial happy tweet, Pat informed his fans of the heartbreaking news of their baby son's passing:

@PatNeshek: "Please pray for my family. Tonight my wife & I lost our first & only son 23 hours after he was born with no explanation."

Stephanee also tweeted her sorrow:

@StephaneeNeshek: "I am at a loss for words right now ... he died peacefully sleeping in my arms unexpectedly without any explanation... There was no cause of death and I am having trouble understanding why God can let such a thing happen [to] an innocent being."

In a statement released by the Oakland A's, the team offers their condolences: "Our hearts go out to Pat and Stephanee and we share in their sorrow of losing their young son. The entire A's organization will keep the Neshek family in our prayers and thoughts, as they try to come to grips with this tragic occurrence in their lives."

This shocking and unfortunate news comes after Neshek's awe-inspiring success with the A's - the team finished their regular season no 1 in the AL West. They now move on to the AL Division Series to face off against the Detroit Tigers. Neshek (who used to play for the Twins) last pitched for the A's on Sunday.

According to Dr. Edward Bell, Professor of Pediatrics and Director of Neonatology at the University of Iowa (who is not involved with the case): "It's going to be important to have an inquiry into what may have precipitated the event. That may be very helpful for the parents if they are looking for answers -- if not spare them the heartbreak. But at least it will give them some idea of why it happened."