The Tim McGraw Sports Complex was transformed into a field of dreams and remembrance as more than 2,000 people gathered on June 14 for the second annual Harrison Thompson Memorial Baseball Tournament.
The event, organized by the Bryn and Harrison Thompson Memorial Foundation, was a powerful tribute to two young lives gone too soon and the enduring love of their mother, Kasey Thompson.
Two years after the tragic accident that claimed the lives of her children, Bryn (9) and Harrison (7), Kasey has dedicated herself to honoring their memory through action, compassion, and community service. With the foundation’s motto, “Changing the world. One smile at a time,” the day’s festivities raised over $64,000 in pledged donations toward building an adaptive and inclusive baseball field at the very complex where Harrison once played with joy and passion.
The tournament featured 27 NELA teams across baseball and softball divisions and included support from six vendors, families, volunteers, and a grounds crew that went above and beyond to prepare the fields after a rainy Friday.
The Richland Parish Sheriff’s Department fried fish and directed traffic, while the Tim McGraw Sports Complex board and volunteers, including Jared Williams, Hunter Fife, JT Searcy, Myles Stephens, Justin Sullivan, and Michael Burns, worked tirelessly to make sure the games could go on.
Inspired by Harrison’s bond with his cousin and namesake, Abram Usey, who lives with cerebral palsy and participates in adaptive baseball, the foundation aims to ensure that every child, regardless of ability, can play the game they love.
Plans for the adaptive field include turf baselines, accessible dugouts, new fencing, bleachers, and remodeled restrooms and concessions, part of a twophase, $525,000 project.
“We believe that through faith and the love of Christ, even the deepest sorrow can be turned into service,” said Thompson. “Our babies loved life and loved others. Their light still shines in every laugh, every cheer, and every step toward creating a more inclusive community.”
Special thanks were extended to the Harrison Thompson Memorial Tournament Committee (Mallory Williams, Laura Wood, Andy Stephenson, Austin Jackson), local sponsors, and businesses like Hebrews Coffee and Fox’s Pizza for keeping the volunteers and umpires energized.
Gratitude poured out to the A-TEAM players and families and the coaches and teams who showed up ready to compete not just for a trophy, but for a cause that transcends the scoreboard.
As the sun set over the ballpark, it wasn’t just the sound of bats and cheers that echoed. It was a spirit of hope, resilience, and a vision for a field where every child is welcome.
To learn more or to support the foundation’s mission, visit thompsonmemorialfoundation. org.
