The 1991 Kent Roosevelt High School baseball team poses for a group photo, with their beloved teammate David Starkey in the middle (jersey No. 18).

By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The Kent Roosevelt High School baseball program is set to host the 19th annual David Starkey Memorial, which will be held on Friday and Saturday and features 11 different teams.

Participating in this year’s event are Aurora, Cloverleaf, Cuyahoga Falls, Field, Highland, Hudson, Kent Roosevelt, Lake, Ravenna, Stow and Woodridge. All games are scheduled to be played at Kent Roosevelt Park.

The event honors Starkey, who was a 1991 graduate of Kent Roosevelt and was a standout baseball player.

However, his contributions and impact exceeded his play on the field.

“His passion for the game and love for his community touched the lives of many, particularly in the bordering towns of Kent and Ravenna,” Roosevelt head coach Mike Haney said.

Starkey’s role as a coach and mentor extended his reach in the communities.

“He selflessly volunteered his time, coaching his children and countless other young athletes in Ravenna,” Haney said. “His commitment to nurturing the next generation of players, both on the baseball field and in life, made him a beloved figure in our local sports scene.”

The schedule of games includes:

FRIDAY (MAY 8)

   • Cloverleaf vs. Cuyahoga Falls, 2 p.m.

   • Kent Roosevelt vs. Ravenna, 5 p.m.

SATURDAY (MAY 9)

   • Field vs. Lake, 9 a.m.

   • Aurora vs. Woodridge, 11:30 a.m.

   • Hudson vs. Highland, 2 p.m.

   • Kent Roosevelt vs. Stow, 4:30 p.m.