The Tsawwassen baseball community opened up its new season with an amazing tribute to one of its own.
On Saturday Tsawwassen Amateur Baseball officially retired Kyle Losse’s No. 14 jersey.
“Our baseball family in Tsawwassen lost a bright, talented young man when Kyle Losse passed earlier this year,” said league president John Forbes. “Tsawwassen Amateur Baseball officially retired Kyle's No. 14 to honour his memory and accomplishments on and off the baseball diamonds. We continue to try to do everything we can to support Kyle's family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Saturday’s tribute came as a complete surprise to Kyle’s parents Brian and Niki despite the fact Brian coaches the peewee team and Niki serves on the executive as vice-president.
“I asked John whether we would be doing something for Kyle and I said we didn’t have to, but regardless I wanted the chance to say thank-you to everyone,” said Niki. “John said they were working on some things and, yes, you would have an opportunity to speak. What was done was totally unexpected. It was amazing that they even thought to do something like that.”
During the ceremony the family was presented with a framed jersey as well as a memorial plaque. Kyle’s younger brother Tyler also threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Tyler will wear No. 14 this season to honour his brother, but after that, the number will be retired.
“It was amazing that they would do something like that. We were truly happy, excited – so many emotions were happening on Saturday,” said Brian. “We want to thank Tsawwassen (Amateur) Baseball for honouring Kyle in retiring his number. We really want to thank the whole community for all their love and support during this difficult time. As the season gets started we want to remind players that good players inspire themselves, great players inspire others.”
Both Brian and Niki said the support from the baseball community and the community at-large has meant the world to them.
“We always knew that Kyle was a good baseball player, but we are biased, we are his parents, but it just shows what an inspiration Kyle was to other players. It speaks to his sportsmanship and commitment to baseball. It speaks volumes to who Kyle was,” added Niki.
The Losses are meeting with the City of Delta later this week to discuss re-naming the peewee diamond at Winskill Park in Kyle’s honour.
“His memorial tournament is on the July 1 long weekend so we are hoping we can have it done and maybe an unveiling at the tournament,” said Niki.
Losse died unexpectedly in his home in January after collapsing on his bathroom floor. He was rushed to Delta Hospital where he was treated and released the next day. His condition worsened and he was subsequently rushed to B.C. Children’s Hospital where he passed away. The cause of his death is still under investigation.
