Third annual “Bryson’s Buddies” baseball game honors mission of New Hanover baseball alum

Bryson Furtado lost his life in 2022. His family, friends, and those who knew him continue his passion of an all-inclusive baseball game he started for his senior project in 2019

WILMINGTON, N. C. (WWAY) – The Third annual “Bryson’s Buddies” baseball game at the Miracle League Field in Wilmington drew hundreds Monday. Teams from New Hanover County high schools and Brunswick County schools filled the three fields in the surrounding area, promoting inclusivity, positivity, and happiness.

The mission began in 2019. Bryson Furtado was a senior at New Hanover High School. He was a two-time state champion baseball player there, but his biggest impact in the form of leadership, winning the sportsmanship award as the Wildcats won the state title. For Furtado’s senior project, he and his mother Kim brainstormed for an idea: Baseball for everyone.

They say the first event was a smashing success. That’s why when Bryson passed away in 2022, many were motivated to recreate that special day annually, even if Bryson is only with us in spirit.

The Furtado family has seen the event grow a lot over the past three years. The first year’s event attendance was suppressed from rain, forcing the event to be played indoors at New Hanover High School. Year two saw two full teams – New Hanover and Hoggard – with maybe 100 total participants. Monday, hundreds attended, with teams from New Hanover, Hoggard, Laney, Ashley, West Brunswick, and North Brunswick.