TUNKHANNOCK, Pa. — Art Keefer field in Tunkhannock was filled with excitement as the Tunkhannock Little League players were ready to lead their team to the championship.
"Dad said the catcher's the leader of the team. Because they can see the whole field, says catcher Carmine Frisco.
But, instead, today's games were about our country's most heroic leaders.
"We have the name on our back for a person that died," said Nolan Hawke,
The names that would round the bases this Memorial Day were a tribute to a local fallen soldier.
"He probably feels honored to have someone honoring him," added Hawke.
Each name is written on a jersey. Each player was tasked with learning their story. Frisco learned the story of Sergeant Steven Tudor. He was able to meet with Steven's family in person. They gifted him some special momentos, like a button with Steven's photo on it and an American Flag. Frisco carried it with him.
"He was in two wars: Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Desert Storm," explained Frisco.
Gold star father Bill Evans searched the field for one name: William Evans. It was on the back of 7-year-old Carson Condi. Evans was killed almost 19 years ago while fighting in Iraq.
"None of these kids were born when this happened they all learned about these soldiers this week. It touches your heart when you hear something like that," said Evans.
It's a gesture that's far beyond these young player's years.
"Telling their stories keeps their memories alive, and the shirt I'm wearing right now keeping his memory alive," said Frisco.
One that reaches far beyond the baseball field.
"This is the worst day of the year for me, believe it or not, even worse than the day he got killed. But, these things make the proud tears come more than the sorrow," explained Evans.