Malibu Beach Club unveiled new playing courts in honor of Lazar LaPenna Thursday. The new courts were accompanied by two plaques - one designating the courts in his name and one with his now well-known favorite number, nine.
Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin and Malibu manager Butch Yamali were accompanied by Lazar's parents, Gregg and Monique LaPenna, other town officials and almost 600 campers.
"It is a wonderful day for the dedication of the fields and the unveiling of the plaques for a very special young man who was taken away very tragically at a young age," Clavin said. "He lived by the sea, was raised by the sea, was an avid sports fan and came to this camp."
Lazar attended the camp for five years.
After the unveiling, the campers sang songs to and for the LaPenna family on the newly dedicated field. The campers started by singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and then sang another song while holding up a sign for Lazar.
Every camper then took part in a ceremonial run around the bases for Lazar while "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" played loudly through a speaker.
"This is really a wonderful opportunity for a legacy," Clavin said. "It's clear by the outpouring of love and support that we've seen from his family, friends and teammates of Lazar that there was a feel to acknowledge and give something special to remember this young man."