Deptford High School hosted a ceremony before its varsity baseball team’s game against Gloucester Township on May 3 to celebrate renaming the field on which they played for fallen Deptford police officer Bobby Shisler.
The ceremony coincided with the one-year anniversary of Shisler’s death last May. The 27-year-old officer – who was wounded in the line of duty nearly two months before his death – played baseball for Deptford in high school.
Shisler’s framed jersey was placed at the field’s pitcher’s mound in the company of his parents, Robert and Tracey; sister Ashley; brother Tyler; Shisler’s baseball coach, Tony Leone; co-worker and close friend Ricky Rogers; current baseball coach David Prager; and athletic director Irv McFarland.
Dozens of other close friends, family members and strangers also paid their respects, standing at and beside bleachers that featured Shisler Strong clothing.
“Bobby’s impact on Deptford High School, the Deptford community and the Deptford baseball program will live forever,” said Deptford High Principal Jason Strouse. “We hope Bobby’s hard work, commitment and level of dedication to everything he did continues to inspire future generations of Spartans.”
The field scoreboard – covered over until the renaming – now boasts Shisler’s badge number, 5273. An emotional Ashley addressed the crowd to talk about her brother.
“People forget often that Bobby wasn’t just a police officer,” she said. “There’s a lot of emphasis on Bobby the cop, but he was so much more. He was a son, a brother, a grandson, a cousin, a friend, D1 baseball player, a bodybuilder, a hunter – the list goes on.
“Bobby liked to teach,” she added, “and on his days off, he often went out on his own to teach the fundamentals of baseball because he cared about the next generation of athletes. He should be remembered for all of the things that made him who he was, not just the profession that he chose.”
Statements from Rogers, Leone and Prager were read to the crowd by Strouse.
“As we all recall,” noted Strouse as he read Rogers’ statement, “Bobby possessed an imposing physical presence and took immense pride in representing Deptford. He was a guardian offering unwavering protection to those around him. He extended respect to all who stood beside him, be it family, friends, colleagues or strangers.”
The game’s first pitch was thrown by Tyler and caught by Rogers, who used the same glove Bobby did when he played. The two then embraced in an emotional hug. The black tarp covering the field’s new name was then removed, prompting loud applause from those in attendance.
“From the bottom of me and all my family’s hearts,” Ashley stated, “thank you for coming out to support and celebrate the Bobby Shisler Baseball Field of Deptford Township High School. The support and love our family have received is something we’re eternally grateful for.
“All clear – go Spartans.”
