Oswego Panthers Retire 12-Year-Old Eric Lederman's Number

When he was a member of the Oswego Panthers Orange 12U baseball team, Eric Lederman wore the No. 2. After Wednesday, no Oswego Panther will ever wear that number again.

In a brief but emotional ceremony before Wednesday night’s game against the Wolves, the Panthers retired Lederman’s number, out of respect for the Oswego 12-year-old, who in an accident at a baseball game.

Lederman was known by many him in the 12-and-under league. The Kane County Cougars of Geneva also recently with a fund-raising effort for the Lederman family.

The Lederman family stood at home plate, while Panthers players presented them with jerseys representing different eras of the team, each one emblazoned with the name Lederman, and the No. 2.

“From this moment on, the Oswego Panthers baseball team will dedicate the No. 2 in Eric’s memory, and the number will not be used,” said the Panthers announcer over the loudspeaker. “The No. 2 will represent Eric, and thus he will forever be a Panther.”

Head Coach Christopher Neitzel said one of the Lederman jerseys would be framed and hung by the press box at the Oswego High School field, as a memorial to Eric.

The Oswego Baseball and Softball Association, in conjunction with Oswego Youth Tackle Football, has set up a memorial fund. Monetary donations can be made to the fund at Allied First Bank, 3201 Orchard Road, Oswego, IL 60543. Make donations payable to "Eric Lederman Memorial Fund."