Warren softball team plants tree in teammate’s honor

Submitted by John X. Rossi

The Warren Township Girls Softball and Warren Township together planted a tree between fields 8 and 10 at the Warren Township Center fields at the corner of Almond and Washington streets in Gurnee in November in honor of Taylor Stinchcomb, a Warren Wave player who passed away earlier last year.

About 120 Wave players, families and friends joined the ceremony. President Tom Beck of WTGS presented Mr. and Mrs. Stinchcomb — each having a lime green ribbon and balloon in-hand, Taylor’s favorite color — with the tree, Taylor’s framed No. 6 jersey that will be retired and a plaque to be placed in front of the tree.

Mr. and Mrs. Stinchcomb ceremonially began to dig the hole for the tree and thanked everyone for coming. Afterward, the entire group set their balloons free and then tied their ribbon to the tree, with a large bow tied by the Stinchcomb Family.

“What a wonderful way to celebrate her life,” Beck said. “Taylor has touched all of our hearts. We thought a tree planted in front of the very fields Taylor played at was a perfect tribute to her and her family. With the ribbons it looks majestic. While she will be missed, she will never be forgotten.”

Taylor was a student at Warren Township High School, and softball coaches Carrie McGahan and Brian McNulty as well as Principal Dr. Jeff Brierton also attended the ceremony.

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