In a heartfelt tribute to a beloved mentor, the Spruce Creek High School baseball community will gather to honor the life of assistant coach Adam "Stump" Smith at one of Florida's most iconic ballparks. The memorial service is set for May 18 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, the historic home of the Daytona Tortugas, offering a fitting backdrop for a coach who dedicated his life to the game.
The service will begin at 6 p.m., with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. to welcome all who wish to pay their respects. In a touching announcement on social media, the Spruce Creek baseball team extended an open invitation, stating that "anyone is welcome to come and pay their respect."
Smith's sudden passing in a single-vehicle car crash on May 10 sent shockwaves through the Volusia County sports community. Friends, family, players, and fellow coaches have since shared countless stories of how he positively impacted lives across multiple high schools—a testament to his unwavering dedication and infectious passion for coaching.
The loss was felt deeply at the Cure All-Star Baseball Game in Sanford on May 13, where a moment of silence and prayer was observed before the first pitch. The tribute remembered Smith as a "dedicated leader" who "had a passion for coaching and was loved by all." Three of his players from Spruce Creek—Mason Sanders, Jordan Livingston, and Joe Christen—took the field that night, carrying his spirit with them against the Lake County team.
For those who knew him, Smith was more than a coach; he was a mentor who shaped young athletes both on and off the diamond. The choice of Jackie Robinson Ballpark for his memorial is a powerful nod to his love for the sport and the legacy he leaves behind. As the baseball community prepares to say goodbye, one thing is clear: Adam Smith's impact will be felt for seasons to come.
