DAYTON — Family and friends honored a man killed after an argument over grass clippings.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, a memorial baseball game was held on Sunday to honor Tanner Staggs.
People gathered at Howell Field Ballpark to honor Staggs. His family said he loved playing baseball.
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News Center 7’s Malik Patterson said lots of tears were shed on Sunday during the game.
People said that Tanner was full of joy and was a loving guy.
Family and friends also said they will miss seeing him in his catcher’s uniform behind home plate.
Tanner Staggs was better known by his No. 85 in the Miami Valley Adult Baseball League.
Patterson said that the league honored him on Sunday with a memorial baseball game.
As previously reported by News Center 7, Staggs was doing landscaping work in Dayton on September 18.
That’s when a man came out of his home, upset by lawn clippings being hit on his car. The neighbor went inside his home, grabbed his gun, and shot Staggs. He died at Miami Valley Hospital.
“He was taken from us way too soon in a senseless act,” said Joe Cantrell, Miami Valley Baseball League.
His teammates said that Staggs would light up faces when he showed up.
“There was just something about Tanner’s smile when he was catching,” said Connor France. “He was a wall back there. He was the best catcher I ever had.”
Tanner Staggs’ family was also at the game. But it was hard for his mother, Donna, to watch.
“My eyes were always just focused on him,” she said. “It’s like nobody else exists.”
Donna said that she appreciates all the love and support as they grieve.
“It’s hard to remember anything right now other than his face,” she said.
Donna added that it was exciting to see baseball again.
She even left a ribbon behind the back stop that will blow in the wind.
“I just tied one ribbon there and then decided to tie a bunch more,” said Donna. “Whoever wants to put one up, if it’s okay with the ump, fill the backstop with ribbons.”
The family said they hope his legacy lives on through his fellow teammates.
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