Wooster baseball honors Maddox Graser in return to field

The Wooster baseball team won one they’ll never forget for “Maddo.”

And, the Generals vowed to continue playing for late teammate Maddox Graser every time they take the field from here on out.

Carrying extremely heavy hearts as they competed for the first time without Graser, Wooster defeated Lexington 9-2 in an Ohio Cardinal Conference matchup in front of an estimated crowd of 1,600 on May 4.

Graser had starred for Wooster in a 10-0 win over West Holmes April 21. The sophomore, who turned 17 on March 28, matched his jersey No. 2 with two hits, RBI, runs and stolen bases.

However, Graser became seriously ill later that night. He was rushed to Wooster Community Hospital and eventually died at Akron Children’s Hospital on April 24. His last act was one of heroism when he became an organ donor.

Parents Donald Graser and Amber Barnes expressed extreme gratitude for the support that has come from near and far.

“Everyone showing up for Maddox, we really needed it,” Donald Graser said. “And, we still do. I’m appreciative and grateful for everything that people have helped out with. It’s taken a lot of the burden off what I’ve had to deal with.”

Graser and Barnes know that many people have wondered what happened to their son. They still don’t have all the answers.

“It was a brain herniation,” Donald Graser said. “The doctors are still trying to figure out why it happened, why his brain swelled.

“This is every parent’s worst nightmare. I wouldn’t wish it on someone I don’t like. I will miss Maddox so much. He was a fun-loving kid, but when it came to baseball, he knew when to flip the switch and be serious.”

A high school baseball crowd usually numbers under 100 fans, even for the Division III ninth-ranked Generals, who improved to 10-1 after beating Lexington.

However, spectators filled the bleachers and lined both sides of Legacy Field, the pavilion area and beyond for Wooster’s return without Graser. Wooster Youth Baseball canceled its games so that its players and parents could attend.

Generals coach Steve Young, his staff and team had several moving tributes to honor Maddox and the Graser family.

“Until I stepped out onto the field and turned to face everyone, I didn’t realize how many people were there,” Barnes said. “My heart was full again for a few minutes. Seeing all the little kids there, it was just beautiful. I wish I could have talked to more people. I’m really just so appreciative of coach Young and everyone. Maddox was outgoing, confident, courageous, smart and funny. Just an All-American boy.”

Young brought Donald Graser out to home plate for the pre-game meeting with Lexington coach Tanner Schieber and the umpire crew. Barnes and Maddox’s older brother, Austin Reeves, then came out to join them as both teams lined up along the respective baselines.

PA announcer Rick Grayshock read a tribute highlighting Graser’s honorable mention All-OCC award for a league champion and regional team as a freshman. Off to an outstanding start, batting .464 this spring, Graser was headed to a probable first-team OCC award.

More than just stats, Grayshock mentioned Graser’s endearing traits, such as leadership, competitiveness and team-first attitude.

Graser was also a district qualifier in wrestling and enjoyed riding dirt bikes, driving derby cars, fishing and gaming.

After a moment of silence was held for Graser, sophomore friends Mason Strock, Brant Barnard and Aidan Dordea loudly revved their dirt bikes in his honor.

The National Anthem was then played, and the Lexington team presented Barnes with flowers and Donald Graser with a No. 2 banner.

Wooster, which has Graser’s No. 2 embroidered on its hats, took the field without a second baseman. Graser’s glove and hat were laid out at his position near a painted MG2 emblem on the turf.

Donald Graser then threw out a ceremonial first pitch.

Once the game began, Wooster pitcher Brian Lapp purposely threw a ball. Young called a timeout and came out to home plate to tell umpire Kirby Kiser that he was making a substitution.

“I'm not sure I ever got out more than a few words, but (Kiser) knew what was happening,” Young said.

The Wooster team brought Donald Graser out to second base to retrieve Maddox’s glove and hat, bringing another round of tears for many in the crowd.

Senior Adam Daugherty had the arduous task of taking over at second base, where he would perform flawlessly in handling several ground balls.

“It was definitely nerve-wracking, especially with all the people there,” Daugherty said. “I just went out there confident that I was going to play my game and do it for Maddox.

“He was someone who always tried to have fun and do his best. That’s how I’m going to play for him.”

After Lexington scored one run in the first, Brock Bowen led off for Wooster with a double over the center fielder’s head.

It was then time for a final tribute for Maddox, who had been the team’s No. 2 hitter. The Generals laid out Graser’s batting helmet and bat in the on-deck circle and played his walk-up song: “Jugg” by Fetty Wop.

“The clean version,” Young clarified with a smile.

Sophomore left fielder Nick Rader, who had played baseball with Graser since they were about 7 years old, then stepped into the batter’s box as the new two-hole hitter.

In typical, hard-nosed Graser fashion, Rader promptly let a fastball plunk him to reach first base.

“It was sweet, just really cool to look out in the crowd and see so many people,” Rader said. “When we took the field for the first time and everybody erupted, I got chills. I took a minute to just breathe. I’m trying to do what I can for (Graser) and not let him down because we all know he's watching.”

Sophomore shortstop Wesley Wheeler has played on many summer travel teams with Graser, dating back to Wooster 8U Coach Pitch All-Stars. He will deeply miss the chemistry they had developed as a double-play duo, as well as Graser’s love for the game and teammates.

“I will remember Maddox’s passion for whatever he did,” Wheeler said. “I'm gonna try to bring that same passion for as long as I play baseball to honor him. I appreciate the game so much more than I ever have.”

Pitchers Lapp, Bowen and Bryden Reed combined to hold Lexington to seven hits, while Aiden McMillan, Bowen and Brandt Newberger hit doubles for Wooster.

Young said he has received messages with condolences and support, whether it be social media, texts or cards, from nearly every state in the country. He received a message from a coach in Alaska, and numerous coaches from Power Five conferences have reached out.

“It's overwhelming and amazing,” Young said of the support. “Our guys have heard about the support and they felt it, but Monday night was the first time they got to physically see it. It was incredible.

“I put out a statement just basically thanking the community, businesses, friends, other teams, college baseball programs, families, former players, alumni, administrators, teachers, students and more. I can’t ever thank everyone enough.”

Young pledged to always be there for the Graser family.

“Maddo could be ornery, but he was always full-go and fearless,” Young said. “Whatever he did, he was committed to it, and that's why everyone just gravitated towards him and loved him. We were just starting to talk that he could be a college player — possibly Div. I.”

During Graser’s calling hours at Grace Church May 2, several TV monitors played a continuous loop with hundreds of photos and short videos.

One of them really stood out: Maddox’s first T-ball game. He slid into all four bases, even though he didn’t have to. He got up each time with a huge smile.

Maddox’s parents, coaches and teammates said he lived with that type of all-out determination and joy until the final day of a life that ended much too soon.