Family, Friends, Teammates Gather to Remember Eric Lederman

A little more than a year ago, Eric Lederman and his baseball team traveled to Wheaton for what was to have been an ordinary game.

What happened that day in April would change Eric’s family, friends and teammates forever. Eric was struck and killed by a baseball during warm-ups of the game April 11, 2012.

Those same family, friends and teammates gathered Friday night at Field 19 at Wheaton’s Atten Park for a candlelight vigil to remember the fallen 12-year-old.

Heartfelt words of prayer and comfort were offered as a cold wind blew across the field by Pastor Julian Spencer, David Rogers and several other friends and family members.

“It isn’t easy to think back to the events of a year ago,” Rogers told the assembled group of about 100. “I don’t know if it will ever be easy. Today we gather to remember Eric, to remember his passion for life and sports. We remember his willingness to go the extra mile. We remember his willingness to help new kids on the teams.”

Though the weather made it impossible to light the candles for the ceremony, mobile phones were lit up instead. White balloons were released at exactly 8:04 p.m. — exactly one year to the minute from Eric’s death. 

Read more about Eric Lederman on Patch.

• What I Learned From Eric Lederman
• Community Says Goodbye to Eric Lederman
• Oswego Panthers Retire Eric Lederman's Number
• Eric Lederman Remembered for 'Infectious Smile'
• Oswego Resident Turns Party Into Fundraiser for Eric Lederman Family
• Eric Lederman's Numbers Retired at Buffalo Wild Wings Fundraiser
• Lederman Family Gets Full Community Support
• Snapshot: Printing Error Ends in Personal Tribute