Community Mourns Loss of 5-Year-Old Marcus, Beloved Black Aces T-Ball Rookie of the Year
April 26, 2025 — A community has been left heartbroken following the sudden and unexpected passing of Marcus, a bright and spirited 5-year-old boy who was not only deeply loved by his family but also by his teammates and coaches on the Black Aces T-ball team.
Marcus tragically passed away on Saturday, April 26, leaving behind a void that has been felt across the ballfield, classrooms, and beyond. His passing was unforeseen, and the news has sent waves of grief throughout the community.
Known affectionately as #13, Marcus had recently been honored with the title of Rookie of the Year, a testament to his dedication, enthusiasm, and growth on the field. Despite being one of the youngest players, Marcus quickly distinguished himself as a great teammate, always cheering for others, never giving up, and showing up to every game and practice ready to play and learn.
A Light on the Field and Off
Marcus was the kind of child who brought sunshine wherever he went. His bright smile, boundless energy, and kind spirit made him a favorite among his teammates, coaches, and supporters on the sidelines. Whether he was rounding the bases or high-fiving friends after a big play, Marcus embodied everything good about youth sports—joy, teamwork, and the will to improve.
“He was a great teammate and worked hard to become a better player,” shared a Black Aces coach. “He made us all proud every time he put on that uniform.”
His jersey number, #13, has now taken on a new meaning—an enduring symbol of his spirit and the love he shared with everyone on and off the field.
A Call to Support
As the community comes to terms with this devastating loss, efforts are now underway to help Marcus’s family with the burden of funeral expenses and to ensure that his memory is honored in the most heartfelt way possible.
“Let’s all come together and help his family lay our #13 to rest,” read a statement from the Black Aces organization.
Local families, teammates, and neighbors are rallying to provide emotional and financial support, creating memorials at the baseball diamond and organizing tributes that celebrate Marcus’s life.
A vigil is being planned near the Black Aces home field, where friends and family will gather to share stories, light candles, and remember the joy Marcus brought to so many. His glove, bat, and jersey have already been placed near home plate as a temporary memorial—a quiet reminder of a little boy whose impact was anything but small.
Remembering Marcus
Though only five years old, Marcus’s life was filled with meaning, connection, and joy. His love for the game of baseball was only matched by his love for his family and the friendships he formed in his short but powerful time here.
He was the kid always ready with a smile, who ran toward life with open arms and left a mark far beyond the chalk lines of the baseball diamond. His spirit will live on in every swing, every cheer, and every child who steps onto the field with love for the game and joy in their heart.
“Fly high, sweet boy,” reads a message from the Black Aces team. “Black Aces #13 will forever be in our hearts.”
How to Help
Friends, family, and community members wishing to support Marcus’s family during this time can look for official fundraisers and memorial events shared by the Black Aces organization or local community leaders. Every contribution, message, or memory shared is a step in helping Marcus’s loved ones heal.
Marcus may have left this world far too soon, but his light shines on in the hearts of everyone who knew him—and in the future games played by the team that loved him so dearly.