Brooks Smith was buried with deep sadness in March. But his spirit was climbing upward, soaring with hope, joy and eternal victory in Heaven.Brooks Smith was buried with deep sadness inMarch.

Smith spent 10 years on this planet before he was killed in anATV accident last spring. In that short time, Smith impacted the lives of family and friends with his joyful, competitive spirit.

He is best remembered by his friends and former teammates inLincoln County Dixie Youth Baseball. They paid tribute to him this season and the Bane Drugs team was the most visible benefactor.

In a gesture of love and honor, Smith was memorialized on custom-designed Parent T-Shirts. They were worn by the Bane Drugs parents, coaches and players. His name was printed on the right sleeve. His No. 9 jersey number was placed on a silhouette baseball figure located on the back, surrounded by the names of team members and coaches.

Lori Herring, a close friend and neighbor of the Smiths, was instrumental in creating the T-shirt logos.

“Brooks was our neighbor. He and my son (Joshua) have been friends since they started soccer together years ago.”

Sports, particularly baseball, formed a common bond for the youngsters who both were students at West Lincoln. “Brooks loved baseball,” said Mrs. Herring. “He lived for baseball.”

Talking about the T-shirt plan, She said, “Brooks had friends on every team out there. We wanted him to be a part of it.”

The T-shirts finally arrived and were presented to the parents and players on May 6 which would have been Brooks’ 10th birthday.

The shirts made their presence felt at an opportune time. BaneDrugs, a Dixie Youth Major League team, was struggling. The druggists had a 2-2 record.

Suddenly the team took a dramatic turn for the better. The remarkable turnaround saw them winning 12 straight games, including the season finale tournament.

“I heard some of the players talking about us having angels in the outfield,” said Mrs. Herring. “Whenever we made a big play.

“We were honored to wear his name and have his number on the back of our shirts. We wanted to win it for him.”

His father, Mark Smith, had worn No. 9. Naturally, Brooks wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps.

He was an all-star last summer. His dream was to pitch because his dad was a pitcher.

At the conclusion of this season’s league tournaments, Smith was recognized for his all-star accomplishments and friendships.

Coaches Remember Smith

Paul Jackson, head coach for the Paul Jackson & Son team,remembered Smith’s potential. “Brooks was a great player. He was onmy team last year. He was a No. 1 pick.”

Jackson recalled a story about Smith’s first starting assignment on the mound. “We pitched Brooks for one of our starting pitchers.”

As a 9-year-old, Smith pitched 6 full innings in his rookie debut. Jackson said Smith threw 67 pitches and it was a 4-0 shutout in six innings.

“It was one of the best games I’ve ever seen a 9-year-old pitch,” said Jackson. “He was special.”

Clint Bane, a Bane Drugs coach, knew Smith well. He had played on his Positive Pest Control team three years ago.

Bane said the T-shirts had a profound effect on the young team when they were worn. “We didn’t lose a game after that. We ran thetable after we got those T-shirts.”

Ironically, the shirts arrived on Brooks’ birthday. “He was a loved kid,” said Bane. “He had a real good attitude plus he was aheckuva player.”

According to Bane, the shirts are a popular item. “Some non-parents asked for those jerseys, too.

“Brooks had a cute little smile and cute hairdo,” said Bane. “Myson, Patton, still wears the Brooks hairdo today. It was a big deal for him.”

Herring said a local hair stylist receives many requests for a special haircut, “just like Brooks.”

Players Got Spiritual Boost

Bane Drugs head coach the Rev. Chad Yarborough, said his players became more aware of a spiritual presence in their lives because ofSmith. His parents, Mark and Kathy Smith, attended most of their games.

“We would pray for Brooks’ mom and dad,” said Yarborough. “We also would pray for players on other teams who were either sick or injured.”

Yarborough, who pastors Friendship Baptist Church, said his team has a Bible verse which they recite and memorize. This season the inspirational scripture came from Ephesians 6:10 “Be strong in theLord and His mighty power.”

Earlier this year, Herring had launched a fundraiser for theSmith family. Raffled off was a Benelli shotgun.

“We miss Brooks dearly,” said Herring. “He meant so much to us.I know God had a plan for him.”

Asked about the community and league support her family has received, Mrs. Smith said, “We are overwhelmed by it. People have been very good to us.”

As the all-stars begin tournament play later this week, many of the players are putting No. 9 on their game caps. It’s another way to honor and remember the popular youngster.