CRISP COUNTY, GA (WALB) -
A former Crisp Academy baseball coach is remembering a standout athlete who lost his life Saturday.
18-year-old James Bodrey fell off an ATV Friday near Dublin in Laurens County. He was airlifted to Medical Center of Central Georgia where he died.
A polarizing figure on the field is how former Crisp Academy baseball head coach Brett Freeman describes James Bodrey just one day after the 18-year-old died from injuries sustained in an ATV accident.
"It's one of the saddest moments I ever had to deal with in my life and it's a moment I don't ever want to have to deal with again," said Freeman.
Freeman coached Bodrey from 2009 to 2011. The talented left-handed pitcher led the wildcats to a GISA State Championship title back in May leaving fans and even critics in awe.
"The opposing coaches just didn't want to see him. He was that good. He was crafty, he was savvy. He did the little things," said Freeman.
As much as Bodrey was a leader on the field, Freeman says he was a nothing short than a leader off the field as well. A young man with a heart full of gold.
"He was great in the locker room. He was funny on the bus. You just can't say enough good things about the young man," said Freeman.
But now Freeman and others who knew Bodrey must now move forward with only memories of the dominating lefty.
"Pick out the little memories of James that you had with him and that's what I'm trying to focus on right now and that's what I'm trying to tell my former players. Just remember the good times," said Freeman.
Bodrey now lives on in the hearts of those who knew him best.
Bodrey was a 2011 graduate of Crisp Academy where he was a three sport athlete. Before his death Bodrey was a student at Darton State College.
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