Local softball team honors former coach Tyler Givans

SALISBURY, Md. – “He was a great ballplayer, but he was an even better person,” said Michael Deputy, a player for the softball team Full Draw.

“We all think of him as a brother, and we’re going to miss him,” said Draw.

A local softball team is remembering and honoring their beloved coach Tyler Givans after he died unexpectedly on Wednesday.

“He was the heart of our team, he was the spirit of our team and the impact he’s left on these guys isn’t going to be matched,” said Draw.

Members of Team Full Draw say 26-year-old Givans was the backbone of their team and that he taught them many lessons both on and off the field. The team came together on Saturday to honor Givans’ legacy at the 6th Annual Cantwell Classic Softball Tournament Fundraiser.

“It’s going to be a huge hole, and he was their leadoff batter,” said the Director of the Cantwell Classic Softball Tournament Fundraiser, David Haynes.

“They’re honoring him today for that doing that first pitch like he’s still here, still part of this game,” said Haynes.

Haynes says he met up with Givans just two days before he died. He had planned the fundraiser with Givans for a family in need without knowing the event was also destined for his friend.

“I actually saw him Monday night, and I had a double header out here, and we talked,” said Haynes.

“We talked about the tournament because he was coaching the team, and we talked for about 20 minutes, caught up a little bit,” said Haynes.

People like Haynes say Givans always had a smile on his face and even though he is no longer here his presence is still felt out on the field.

“He’s a brother, and it’s more than a team now, it’s a family and this made it even stronger,” said Draw.

“We’re gonna keep going and we’re going to play for him every step of the way,” said Draw.

Team members add it is tough to be out on the field without their brother, but deep down they know he would have wanted them to keep playing the game.

Softball players from both Delaware and Maryland competed against one other today helping to raise money for the Givens family. For those interested in donating to the family, they are encouraged to contact David Haynes by clicking here.