Zack Downey, Our #6 Forever
On May 25, 2014, the Victoria Mariners said farewell to one of their own. Zack Downey was a Mariner, a friend, a son, a brother, and a gifted athlete. In October of 2012, Zack was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. For the better part of eighteen months, this brave young man fought with everything he had to beat his deadly diagnosis and return to a life of family, friends, school, and baseball. The entire Mariner family and Victoria baseball community rallied behind Zack and his family to join in their fight. Sadly, Zack's battle ended on May 25, 2014.
We remember Zack and his competitive spirit everyday. Zack embodied all of the qualities of an exemplary teammate and friend: enthusiastic, diligent, selfless, kind, and loyal. The Zack Downey Memorial Tournament which began in September 2014, is an opportunity for the Victoria Mariners to memorialize and honour their comrade. In the true spirit of sportsmanship and competition, teams are invited to share in this special event and remember a young man who played baseball the way he lived his life; with integrity and heart. Funds are raised at the tournament to help support the Zack Foundation, which in turn provides scholarships to graduating Lambrick Park students continuing to play sports at the college level. This includes male and female students going on to play any sports, not just baseball.
Zack, you are in our hearts and on the field always.
