(DCC Athletics release)
GLENDIVE – In their last home game of the season, the Dawson Community College baseball team officially retired Cole Dooper’s jersey No. 18.
In 2017, the former Buccaneer was tragically killed in an auto accident.
Dooper was honored and remembered by DCC, his family and his fellow former teammates and friends. With many in attendance, the baseball team allowed Dooper’s family to unveil the newly named dugout with an honorary plaque. His jersey was also unveiled on the right field fence.
Dooper played for Dawson in the 2011 and 2012 seasons. He was recruited by former Head Coach Brent Diegel and finished his career with Coach Aaron Carroll.
“It was an honor to have the opportunity to recognize the life of Cole Dooper” said head coach Chris Lewis. “The turnout was great, we had beautiful weather and it was special to have his family and other alumni back on campus. It was an emotional day to say the least, but also part of the healing process for all who knew and loved Cole. We retired the number 18 jersey, and thanks to some former baseball players, we painted the home dugout black, added a sign in his honor and named it “Dooper’s Dugout”.
Lewis offered thanks to the entire LeProwse family, Todd Cabrera, Jake Young, and Kat & Jay from Boss Office Products for help in making the event possible and adding a lot of “little” touches to the weekend.
“Most of all thank you to the Dooper family for allowing us to be a part of such a special day,” Lewis said.
