In the midst of a post-season filled with excitement and anticipation, Major League Baseball suffered the loss of a veteran pitcher and valued teammate. Cory Lidle's single-engine plane crashed into a 50-story apartment building in New York City this afternoon, killing him and his instructor, Tyle Stanger. He was reportedly flying to his home in California to be with his wife and son, both of whom flew on a commercial jet and heard the news upon landing.

Lidle was well-liked amongst his teammates and baseball cohorts, and the MLB community was shocked and saddened by his death.

"I am shocked by this devastating news. Spending the last few months as Cory's teammate, I came to know him as a great man. While he was known as a baseball player, he was, more importantly, a husband and father and, at a time like this, I want to share my deepest sympathies with his wife, Melanie, his son, Christopher, and all those who know and loved him." - - Derek Jeter

"The Phillies family is extremely saddened by the tragic news involving Cory Lidle. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to his wife, Melanie, son, Christopher, and those families who were affected by the terrible incident in New York." - - Phillies president David Montgomery

"I enjoyed talking to him. I saw him in chess matches all the time with other guys. He was a competitive pitcher both here and elsewhere. He just seemed like a good guy." - - Brian Cashman

"All of baseball is shocked and terribly saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of Cory Lidle. Cory was only 34 years old and had played in the Major Leagues for nine seasons with seven different clubs. He leaves a young wife, Melanie, and a young son, Christopher. Our hearts go out to them on this terrible day." - - Bud Selig

"This is a terrible and shocking tragedy that has stunned the entire Yankees organization. I offer my deep condolences and prayers to his wife, Melanie, and son, Christopher, on their enormous loss." - - George Steinbrenner

"This is a terrible shock. I was with Ron Guidry and Lee Mazzilli when I heard the news, and we were just stunned. Cory's time with the Yankees was short, but he was a good teammate and a great competitor. My heart goes out to his family." - - Joe Torre

"We used to call him 'snacks' because he'd be eating Reese's in between innings while he was pitching. He'd go up there [to the clubhouse] and get some M&M's, maybe some ice cream, all the while throwing eight scoreless innings." - - Barry Zito

"I'm at a loss for words. Sometimes we take things for granted. Life is precious. This is horrible news for the baseball family." - - Carlos Delgado

"I am very saddened at the tragic loss of Cory, who was my teammate, and my friend. I cared for him and his family, and my heart goes out to his wife Melanie, and his son Christopher. He was a great person who enjoyed everything in life, and I will really miss him." - - Johnny Damon

"I remember Cory being very wrapped up in anything he did. He took on everything he did with a passion -- baseball, flying, his wife, his son. He would talk about his plane all the time." - - Ron Villone

"On behalf of Fred Wilpon, Saul Katz, Jeff Wilpon and the entire Mets organization, we express our heartfelt condolences to the Lidle family. Cory broke into the Majors with us nine years ago and developed into a solid Major League pitcher. The entire baseball community mourns his loss." - - New York Mets official statement