Softball Player Lexi Kretsch Remembered at Plymouth Tournament
More than 40 softball teams from Minnesota and across the nation are battling the heat while playing in the Lexi Kretsch Softball Showdown, at Wayzata High School. This is the third year of the tournament which honors 16-year-old Lexi Kretsch, who died July 10, 2015 after a car accident near Mankato.
“It’s a wonderful honor, it’s very hard though, because there shouldn’t be a tournament in her a name. She should be playing,” said Lexi’s mother, Jennifer Kretsch.
Lexi played for the Plymouth-based Minnesota Vortex and Waconia High School. Some say she was one the best softball pitchers in the state.
“This would have been her first year playing college ball. She had multiple offers coming in,” explained Jennifer.
Lexi’s Legacy
The tournament honors the teammates who played with Lexi. Many arenow playing softball in college.
Savannah Drey played on the Waconia High School Softball Team and for the Minnesota Vortex.
“I love this tournament. I love having all the signs and having all the college signs up, showing what we’re doing, playing in her name, and playing in Lexi’s honor,” said Drey.
Katy Blanchard is a catcher for Ottawa University in Kansas. She also played with Lexi on the Minnesota Vortex. She even has a tattoo in memory of Lexi.
“I carry her wherever I go,” said Blanchard, who is glad Lexi’s memory lives on through the tournament. “It just means a lot because it’s like something great we can do to show that we really appreciate Lexi.”
Lexi’s mom and former teammates say the tournament is not just about softball, they’re hoping everyone hits a home run in the game of life.
“Remember to be kind to others, you never know what your last words are going to be to them, you want to leave that positive happy influence because it carries on, it’s a chain reaction,” said Jennifer Kretsch.
Several scholarships were presented in Lexi’s name. The tournament is also holding a clothing drive and trying to collect 10,000 pounds of clothing.
Meanwhile, a special ceremony will take place Saturday June 16, at 1 p.m., Wayzata Field #2. Chaska Hall of Famer, Brynne Dordel is the guest speaker.
