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Drew’s Field: Tragedy Turned Into A Dream

A tragedy that touched a community and turned into a dream will become a reality Saturday morning when Drew’s Field is dedicated in Walnut Hill.

Two year old Drew Marlow and his dad Danny Marlow died in a January 2008 accident on Highway 97. A short time later, the Northwest Escambia Little League voted to name a new wee ball field at the back of Bradberry Park “Drew’s Field” in honor of Drew’s dream to play ball.

“I am excited about it, but I get sad. It’s bittersweet,” said Drew’s mom, Cyndi Marlow Wendt. “I am so happy that the other kids will get to enjoy it.”

A monument  stand’s near Drew’s Field. It’s a little over five feet tall. The top reads “Welcome to Drew’s Field” and the bottom features a quote from Danny. “Always let your Light shine,” it says. That’s what Danny would always tell players after ballgames that he coached.

The middle of the monument features a little boy and  man walking hand in hand toward the sunset with baseball caps and a bat. The back of the boy’s jersey says “Drew” and has the number “3″ and the man’s jersey says “Drew’s Dad” and has the number “3″ too.

Drew and Danny spent hours playing with a blue and orange Florida Gators bat. Dreaming of that big opening day they both just knew would come when that little boy with a big number “3” on his jersey stepped to the plate.

Danny had it all planned out, down to the jersey number. Drew was Cyndi and Danny’s “miracle baby”…he was their third attempt at in vitro conception.

“We were just so excited. But then we went to the doctor. They rate the chances of the embryo surviving on a scale of one to five. A four or below has a small chance of surviving.”

“The doctor rated the embryo as a three that was Drew. A three out of five. We knew it was all in God’s hands.”

And God blessed the Marlows with a healthy sandy blond baby boy they named Drew.

“That’s where the jersey number ‘3’ came from. Danny always said ‘could you imagine if he was a five’,” Cyndi said. “He always wanted Drew to wear ‘3’ in his first ball game.”

“We were going to go play t-ball,” Cyndi said. “That’s all Drew talked about.”

Drew will never get to play on the field that bears his name, but “Drew’s Dream Team” will take to the field Saturday morning.

A memorial tile will be placed near the field, with a handwritten message from Cyndi:

“Drew my sweet angel, I would give anything to have one of your big bear hugs right now. I miss you so much. I know your smile makes heaven brighter…you will forever be in my heart.”

Drew’s field will be dedicated during Opening Day ceremonies Saturday morning at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill. Ceremonies begin at 9 a.m., with the Drew’s Field dedication expected to begin at about 9:30.

NorthEscambia.com will have complete coverage Sunday morning from Saturday’s Opening Day at Bradberry Park and from the dedication of Drew’s Field.

Pictured top: Drew’s Field at Bradberry Park will be dedicated Saturday morning. Pictured top middle Cyndi Marlow Wendt with the mermorial marker at Drew’s Field. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.