ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – It was an emotional Tuesday night at Bishop Moore's baseball semifinal as friends and family members held each other close, celebrating the life of 17-year-old Joe Skinner.
"I love you guys so much and I love Joe," said their coach to Joe's parents. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the opportunity to coach a great man."
A ceremony at home plate had everyone bowing their heads in prayer.
The Orange County Fire Department presented a shield with Joe's No. 24 on it to his parents, and balloons were released in his memory.
Joe was diagnosed with leukemia back in December. He died over the weekend from a non-related infection.
"Sometimes, you didn't even really know Joe was sick," said his mom, Judy Skinner. "He pushed through and he was more worried about how other people were feeling about him than how he was feeling about himself."
His mother said Joe will always be remembered for how he treated others.
"Everybody was his best friend, and everybody was his brother, and he just treated everyone like they were special," his mother said.
Bishop Moore faced its rivals, Lake Highland Prep, Tuesday night.
People from both teams gave to the Skinner family by placing money in a donation jar at the concession stand.
Joe's father said at the end of the day, it's not just about the game.
"You know, it really goes way beyond baseball," Scott Skinner said. "It's really about hugs and support and being there when you need somebody."