Softball fields at Evers Sports Park donated to Shelby

TEMPLETON — This past month Templeton remembered the legacy of local softball player Shelby Sudbrink by dedicating a softball field in her name. Like so many other kids, the 17 year old who passed away in an Atascadero car crash in January was a light in the community with a spirit not easily forgotten. The Templeton Recreation Department took it upon themselves to honor Sudbrink's involvement in local sports by dedicating a softball field at Evers Park, located at 38 Gibson Rd., where she grew up playing softball. "Shelby Sudbrink was one of our players and played a lot of years on our field," recreation supervisor Melissa Johnson said. "We felt it was important to honor her memory and recognize her contribution to the sports played here." Some of the best days of Shelby's life were spent playing softball there as a kid, Sudbrink's dad, Michael, said. Even at such a young age, the Templeton High School student embraced life for what it was and that alone made her an inspiration to many. "She lived fearlessly," Hailey Sudbrink, Shelby's older sister, said. "She didn't care what other people thought and thought it was crazy that I did." Captain of her high school varsity basketball team, Shelby was always so full of life and simply had a pure, genuine soul, Michael said. The Templeton Recreation Department was proud to witness the tremendous turnout of community support for Shelby. Friends, family and community members alike swarmed together in a sea of royal blue unison, to celebrate the life of their own fallen Eagle. While we can only hope that the pain of loss will lessen with time, Shelby's legacy will continue to live on here in Templeton as softball fans continue to play for #12 in the many years to come.