Tributes Pour In For LI Boy Who Died While Playing Baseball

LONG BEACH, NY — Students and staff at Long Beach Public Schools will wear purple on Friday, one week after 10-year-old Lazar LaPenna died suddenly on a ballfield.

The school is calling for everyone to honor the boy, who suffered from epilepsy and collapsed. Purple is being used to recognize that.

LaPenna was a fourth-grader at the East School.

LaPenna was playing Little League last Friday and after getting a hit, he suffered a fatal seizure.

The boy was a big fan of baseball and the Mets, who tweeted their love for his family and teammates in the Long Beach/Lido Little League.

A petition has been started to honor the boy at the spot where he enjoyed playing baseball but also died.

The change.org petition seeks online signatures to rename the Point Lookout Field for LaPenna.

As the person writes in the description, there is "no better of a way to turn a tragedy into an inspirational moment."

It is being sought in an "expeditious manner."

As of the writing, approximately 3,000 people have signed on to the petition.

Remembering the life of 10-year-old Lazar LaPenna. We send our love and support to his family and teammates in the Long Beach/Lido Little League. #BatsOutForLazar 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/HSrbR363hL
— New York Mets (@Mets) May 3, 2022