A few hundred people gathered at the Grandview Little League fields to remember Santiago “Baby D” “Santi” Rhone, 15. Rhone was a high school sophomore whose love of baseball and people drew a broad circle of friends and family. Mourners filled the infield and the bleachers at the Grandview Little League baseball fields, turning the park into a tribute to a teenager they say made the world brighter.“My little brother will be remembered by this field right here — by baseball,” said his sister, Nakiyah Keller. “He loved baseball, but he also loved people.”She added that the turnout showed how many lives he touched through kindness. “I want to thank everyone for coming out and showing love for my little brother,” she said. Among those remembering Rhone was friend Jordan Cason, who said their bond was forged in daily trips to the batting cages. “Me and him used to go to the batting cages every day,” Cason said. “I remember him from baseball. That was our thing. That’s our heart.”Justin Denham, Rhone’s former Little League coach, said he began coaching him when Rhone was 7 or 8 and saw leadership beyond his years. “He led by example. Led with emotion. Didn’t need to lead with words,” Denham said. “He had a presence about him.”Friends said that recalling Rhone’s positivity helps them through a difficult time. “To show how important he was — and how positive he was all the time, no matter what situation we were in,” Myah Coffman said. Though Rhone died in an accident, those who gathered said he may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.» Subscribe to KCCI’s YouTube page» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play

DES MOINES, Iowa —

A few hundred people gathered at the Grandview Little League fields to remember Santiago “Baby D” “Santi” Rhone, 15.

Rhone was a high school sophomore whose love of baseball and people drew a broad circle of friends and family. Mourners filled the infield and the bleachers at the Grandview Little League baseball fields, turning the park into a tribute to a teenager they say made the world brighter.

“My little brother will be remembered by this field right here — by baseball,” said his sister, Nakiyah Keller. “He loved baseball, but he also loved people.”

She added that the turnout showed how many lives he touched through kindness.

“I want to thank everyone for coming out and showing love for my little brother,” she said.

Among those remembering Rhone was friend Jordan Cason, who said their bond was forged in daily trips to the batting cages.

“Me and him used to go to the batting cages every day,” Cason said. “I remember him from baseball. That was our thing. That’s our heart.”

Justin Denham, Rhone’s former Little League coach, said he began coaching him when Rhone was 7 or 8 and saw leadership beyond his years.

“He led by example. Led with emotion. Didn’t need to lead with words,” Denham said. “He had a presence about him.”

Friends said that recalling Rhone’s positivity helps them through a difficult time.

“To show how important he was — and how positive he was all the time, no matter what situation we were in,” Myah Coffman said.

Though Rhone died in an accident, those who gathered said he may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.

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» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play