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  • Stillwater Legionnaires’ West Ward, of Perry, wears the No. 4 jersey for the Stillwater American Legion baseball team in memory of a fallen teammate from Perry. Nick Snow

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July 14, 2012

No. 4 jersey has special meaning for Legion's Weston Ward

By Andrew Glover aglover@stwnewspress.com

STILLWATER, Okla. — Perry High School’s shortstop Weston Ward spent the past two seasons playing next to Brendon McLarty, who played second. The two teamed up on more than just double plays.

“We developed a connection,” Ward said.

During a Perry football practice in May everything changed.

“One day after football, he had a really bad asthma attack,” Ward said. “He couldn’t find his inhaler. It got pretty bad and he went a long time without oxygen before the ambulance could get there.”

McLarty passed away. Ward his keeping his memory alive by wearing McLarty’s No. 4 with the Stillwater Legionnaires.

“He was a great kid,” Ward said. “He was a great friend and everything you can ask for. That’s why I wanted to wear his number.”

Last season, Ward and McLarty helped the Perry Maroons reach the state baseball playoffs. Ward said losing his teammate and friend was rough for not only him but the community.

“Just seeing everyone come together and realize that he’s not going to be there with you in your last year of baseball,” Ward said. “It’s more than that. You can see the (hurt) on his family. His family was really into baseball.”

The community’s support stretched to online as there were posts on discussion boards and YouTube videos asking for prayers and support.

Ward has started in the outfield for the Legionnaires emerging as a key contributor. Against Oklahoma City Brassfield Monday, Ward was a key contributor reaching base in three of four plate appearances, scoring and driving in a run. Defensively, Ward made two catches in right.

Ward said every time he plays with the Legionnaires he thinks of his friend.

“It makes you think about it a lot,” Ward said. “Everyday, I think about him knowing that he would want to be playing. It makes me play a little harder everyday. It’s also the way he would play.”

Jared Bartmann, who graduated from Perry this past May also played with McLarty. McLarty’s number will be retired at Perry High School this season.

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