Brodie's field of dreams

By Stephanie Byars - bio | email

ELLSINORE (KFVS) - Brodie Gargac was just like any other nine-year-old boy. He was a big brother, a good friend, and he loved baseball. When he played, he wore the #23 "Redbirds" jersey on his home field in Ellsinore. But in October of 2008, everything changed. A sickness led to a diagnosis every parent fears. Days after being rushed to Children's Hospital in St. Louis, his parents learned he had cancer. He was later diagnosed with leukemia.

His baseball coach, Wes Mullins remembers getting the news. "It was just shocking," Mullins said. "You have kids of your own and you just can't hardly believe it." As he battled his illness, Brodie never forgot his favorite sport or his home field. So when the "Make A Wish Foundation" gave him the chance to make one of his dreams come true, family friend Charlene Mullins says his wish wasn't a huge surprise to those who knew him.

"Brodie just got to thinking about it... he just wanted things to be fixed...and look good when he went out there to play" Mullins said.

Of all the things he could ask for, Brodie's wish was to see his hometown baseball field in Ellsinore revitalized! His little sister, Bailey remembers the wish.

"There were a lot of things he wanted, but he said he wanted this," Bailey said.

"It's a selfless act and the kind of kid he was," Mullins said. "He thought about his friends ahead of himself. For a nine year old to make a decision like that, it brings a tear to your eye."

The "Cardinals Cares" organization put in a big electronic scoreboard. Home Depot donated time and materials to restore the dugout. The community took it a step further.

"We've put all new brick walls up, a new fence, we've repaired fence, put loads of dirt on the infield" said Charlene Mullins.

With the help of area businesses and neighbors, Brodie's field of dreams is becoming a reality! Charlene Mullins says that's what small towns are all about.

Unfortunately, Brodie won't be able to play on the field. The little boy died in February of 2009, a day before his 10th birthday. But folks in Ellsinore are keeping Brodie's dream alive.

"We have taken his wish as a community and we wanted to finish it," said Charlene Mullins.

The community's goal is to have everything finished when baseball season opens in 2010. His jersey #23 will be retired in Brodie's memory. Only his little sister will be able to wear it.

"That's going to make me feel good," Bailey said.

Just as you'll see Brodie's name at the field in Ellsinore, his dream will live on through as well.

"I can't help but think he' watching over us," said Wes Mullins. "He's still part of this field and will be for a long time."

If you'd like to donate to the Brodie Gargac Memorial Ball Field:

Bank of Grandin

c/o Brodie Gargac's mom

PO Box 235

Grandin, MO 63935

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