Free softball clinic held at Gompers Park in memory of 17-year-old girl

Young girls came together at Gompers Park for a free softball clinic on Saturday.

“I like to play first base, and I like to pitch,” said 10-year-old Dakota Romero.

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The event is part of the launch of the Eve Fries Foundation. The Fries family started the organization in honor of their 17-year-old daughter, Eve, who was a passionate softball player.

“We’ve been looking for an opportunity to celebrate our daughter, who passed away from DIPG in 2021. She was a fierce softball player,” said Kurt Fries, Eve’s father.

Eve had a brain tumor. Her life was cut short.

Eve was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, and her family honored her at the same field where she fell in love with softball.

“She loved it here. I love coming here because it reminds me of her, and it’s more joyful that going to a cemetery. And 44s are everywhere, and that was her number. She loved Rizzo. And when you see a 44, that’s Eve saying, ‘Hi,'” said Debby Fries, Eve’s mother.

Through the foundation, her family wants to ensure other girls are exposed to softball and have the support to excel.

“You’re just having a good time, and I’ve learned a lot, including pitching, hitting, fielding, and, like, how to be a good sport,” said 11-year-old Sofia Guzman.

“I think there is a resurgence in girls’ sports. I think it’s coming, and I think we want to do what we can to propel it,” Kurt said.