Edinson Volquez prepares to pitch Game 5 after father's death

NEW YORK -- Right-hander Edinson Volquez has a chance to end the most difficult week of his life by pitching the Kansas City Royals to a World Series championship.

Volquez will start Game 5 of the World Series on Sunday night for the Royals, who have a 3-1 lead over the host New York Mets and will be looking to close out the franchise's first championship since 1985.

The 31-year-old will be pitching just days after attending the funeral of his father, Daniel, who died of heart failure Tuesday just hours before his son started Game 1 of the Series.

"He was everything for me," Volquez said at a press conference Saturday night after the Royals' 5-3 win in Game 4. "He was one of the greatest men. I remember be bought me my first glove and my first spikes, brought me to the field. He knew that's what I want to be -- I want to be a baseball player."

For better or worse, a nation of baseball fans knew about the death of Daniel Volquez before his son found out. While multiple news outlets reported the story before and during Game 1, Volquez's wife, Roandry, decided not to inform her husband of the terrible news until after he pitched -- a decision Volquez was glad she made.

"I think that was the best way," said Volquez, who allowed three runs, six hits and one walk while striking out three in six innings in the Royals' 5-4, 14-inning win. "If they had told me before the game starts, if my wife told me before that, I don't even know if I'm going to be able to pitch. She decided to tell me later. And I think that was the right choice."

Volquez left the Royals immediately upon learning of his father's passing. He returned just before the start of Game 4 on Saturday and said he was touched by the outpouring of sympathy he has received from teammates, opponents and fans.

Before Saturday's game, Mets manager Terry Collins -- whose father, Bud, died in February -- lauded Volquez for returning to the Royals.

"I just want to thank everybody here for their support and worrying about me," Volquez said as he arrived at the press conference. "And thank you for your support. I really appreciate it."

The Royals, unfortunately, have experience with players performing after the death of a parent. The mother of third baseman Mike Moustakas died Aug. 9 and the father of right-handed pitcher Chris Young died Sept. 26, a day before Young threw five no-hit innings against the Cleveland Indians.

"It's tough, but Chris had that mindset that his Dad would want him on that mound and he was going to go out and honor that," Royals manager Ned Yost said Saturday afternoon. "'Moose's' Mom passed away, and he stayed. He knew that his Mom wanted him to stay and play baseball."

And Volquez, who said he will write his father's name in his hat or glove, realizes he wants to pitch in Daniel's memory on Sunday

"I wish he could be here right now and enjoying every game that I pitch," Volquez said. "My Mom told me before I got here: 'Go over there and enjoy the game like you always do and be proud. We are proud of you. Be proud and make people proud, more proud than they are.

"She told me 'He passed away, but he was really happy to see you pitch in the big leagues -- your dream. He was real proud."