- November 4, 2024
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Every time a strike is called or a run is scored at Flagler Palm Coast High School’s baseball field, Teddy Gardner will be remembered.
A new scoreboard was installed March 24 after a ceremony to celebrate the life of Teddy, who was killed in a car crash at age 14 in 2004. In attendance were many of Teddy’s friends and family, including his parents, Rob and Patti Costa, and two grandmothers, Marcia Costa and Kay Mancini.
The ceremony was held to thank everyone who helped raise more than $5,000 in just six months to build the scoreboard.
On the scoreboard next to Teddy’s name are the words “Hold the Rope.” Patti Costa explained that the phrase was quoted at Teddy’s funeral, and that Teddy was someone who could be trusted to be positive and helpful. (See the box on this page for more.)
“He was a champion to underdogs,” Patti Costa said in a later interview. “He would not allow people to be bullied. He would always step in and do the right things.”
“Sports help to keep kids engaged when they could be going down a different path.”
PATTI COSTA
Costa said she planned to continue doing projects in her son’s honor, including helping children get the equipment they need to play sports. One possibility to create a lending library, of sorts, for the equipment. To help, email Patti Costa at [email protected].
