The Fairbanks High School baseball program has honored the memory of a fallen teammate.
A couple months ago, Blake Gorton was preparing for his junior season as a starter for the Panthers.
That all changed on a Saturday evening in early March when he died from injuries sustained during a single-vehicle traffic accident.
It was a tragedy that shocked the baseball team and for that matter, the entire school district.
Gorton was such a valued member of the diamond squad that a new batting cage, which also doubles as a bullpen, was unveiled this week.
The finishing touches were put on the Blake Gorton Memorial Batting Cage late last week.
The team began to use the cage, which is adjacent to the third base home dugout, a few days ago.
The project cost approximately $17,000 and was funded by private donations.
FHS head coach Josh Rine still gets choked up when thinking about Gorton.
“Blake was one of those guys who only played baseball,” said the veteran coach. “He was a hard worker in the gym, during practices and the weight room. He was one of the first guys in the weight room and one of the last to leave.
“You almost had to run Blake out of the weight room.”
Rine said Gorton was one of those guys who was a friend to many.
“Everybody in the school really liked Blake… not just the athletes,” he said.
Part of the reason, the coach said, is that Gorton was always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a word of encouragement.
“We’ve got some freshmen in our program this year,” said Rine. “During the off-season and pre-season, Blake took them under his wing and really helped them. He was one of our leaders and led by example.
“Nobody had a bad word to say about him,” said the coach. “It (his death) was a really hard time for everyone.”
The coach said Gorton wasn’t just popular among high school students.
“I would ask my son (nine-year-old Landry) who is his favorite player and he’d say it’s Blake,” said Rine. “His death really hit Landry hard.”
Gorton was going to start in the middle infield this season, most likely at second base. However, he could also have filled in at catcher or taken a turn on the pitching mound.
The Panthers, who have a 10-8 record, have dedicated the 2024 season to Gorton.
Now, the batting cage, with its appropriate signage, stands in memory of a young athlete who left a lasting impact upon his community.