This summer I was in the park on Spring Street in Soho looking to hit some tennis balls on the wall. There was a younger man there that was also looking to do the same thing but pickleball players were using all the courts.

Or as I said to him. They are taking over our tennis courts. We laughed.

We chatted for a few minutes and I mentioned that I also had my baseball gloves in my bag to throw on the wall. Eli mentioned that he also had played baseball.

So we found an open spot on the playground and threw a baseball for a half hour or so and shared some stories about our love for baseball. It started raining so we planned to meet at the park the next day to throw and hit some tennis balls together.

That next day we hit some tennis balls and Eli even got a few other guys to join us as we hit across the 2-3 spaces on the wall.

We all had a great time.

When I left we talked about meeting up again on my next trip up from Florida. I stopped by the park this fall with my adult son to see if I could introduce them.  They would have enjoyed spending time together throwing a baseball or hitting a tennis or squash ball. Even though we knew each other for a very short time I’ll never forget him and his great energy. Rest in Peace my friend Eli.

Coach Fredo Weiland

We Kettners are all very sad to lose Eli.  He was the most loyal friend, and certainly one in a million.  Please accept our condolences.  I'll miss him.  Love,

Dave K