High school baseball player who died to be honored by White Knoll, SC district says
More than two years after his death, Brett Williams is still remembered at White Knoll High School.
On Tuesday, Lexington County School District One announced it was doing something that will keep the standout baseball player in thoughts and memories for years to come.
The hitting facility at White Knoll will be memorialized in his honor, as the school district announced it will now be named the Brett Williams Hitting Facility, in a news release following a school board meeting.
Williams, who was only 16, died Jan. 17, 2017, days after testing positive for Influenza B, The State reported.
Two weeks before his death, the sophomore had committed to play baseball at the University of South Carolina, according to The State.
When he was in the eighth grade, Williams played for the White Knoll varsity team. He became the starting first baseman by his freshman season and was the top-ranked sophomore, according to South Carolina Diamond Prospects, Lexington One said in the news release.
The decision to name the hitting facility after Williams came at the request of White Knoll’s athletic department and athletic booster club, according to the news release.
In addition to his exploits on the diamond, Williams excelled in the classroom as well. The school district said Williams had a 4.61 GPA, and “made the A/B honor roll every semester through middle and high school.”
USC honored Williams shortly after his death, when his parents threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a game against Winthrop, where Williams’ brother Wesley Williams played, The State reported.
Additionally, a flag with Williams’ No. 22 flew at the Gamecocks baseball stadium, and the university presented his parents with “a framed garnet No. 22 South Carolina baseball jersey,” according to The State.
The White Knoll baseball team also took time to recognize Williams in its 2017 season opener, The State reported. He was considered “a leader and friend,” by family, teammates and coaches, according to the news release.
This story was originally published April 30, 2019 at 10:27 PM with the headline "High school baseball player who died to be honored by White Knoll, SC district says."
