ROYAL, Ill. (WCIA) — Easton Wilsey’s family and friends are keeping his memory alive through something he loved: baseball. Sunday, six teams of players came together for the first annual baseball tournament in Easton’s honor. 

The event was a year and nine months to the day of when the 9-year-old was hit and killed by a train in Royal.

“We really miss him,” friend Wesley McElhoe said.

The event felt like a time not too long ago for the McElhoe family, who knew Easton for his kindness and toughness.

“I can still see him running the bases,” family friend Matt McElhoe said. “Every parent in our community would say they wanted their kids to be friends with Easton.”

His friends said Easton was always first to crack a joke or lend a helping hand. They said events like Sunday’s help them continue grieving a life cut short. 

“He’s just going to look down and see us and say, ‘Wow all these people are doing this just for me,” friend Austyn Ramm said.

Chants rang out as athletes slid into bases, while fans cheered against the fence wearing Easton’s favorite color: green

While it was a competition, the event was about a community coming together — something family and friends say Easton would have loved. 

“It’s hard, going to always be hard,” Matt said. “He’s always going to be part of this community. He might be gone but he’s still in all of our children’s hearts, ours.”

The proceeds from the tournament will go towards next year’s event and any field improvements that are needed. Easton’s family said they are working on a memorial scholarship in his name as well.