The Camden High School baseball team is carrying more than just bats and gloves onto the field this season — they're carrying the memory of a fallen teammate.

Joshwa Boston, a senior on last year's Panthers squad, was tragically murdered in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood in the early morning hours of May 4, according to head coach Greg Gasparovic. The loss has left the entire program heartbroken, but the team has turned their grief into a powerful tribute.

For the remainder of the spring, Camden has retired Boston's No. 12 jersey. A purple jersey bearing his number now hangs in the dugout during every game, a constant reminder of the teammate they lost. Several players have also written the number on their wristbands, keeping Boston close in spirit as they take the field.

"We're playing for him," Gasparovic said, as the Panthers dedicated the rest of their season to Boston's memory. The team's decision to retire the number until the final out of the season shows just how deeply Boston's presence is still felt in the program.

In a sport where teamwork and brotherhood are everything, the Panthers are channeling their emotions into every pitch, every swing, and every play. It's a season defined not just by wins and losses, but by love, remembrance, and the unbreakable bond of a team that refuses to forget one of their own.

As the baseball community rallies around Camden High, fans and players alike are reminded that some numbers mean more than just a spot in the lineup — they represent a life, a legacy, and a team that will never stop honoring their brother.