SHE DIED all too soon, but she leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion and friendship.

Amanda Rosepapa played softball at St. John Central High School, one of the finest programs in the Ohio Valley. Amanda was not your run-of-the-mill player. Amanda was one of the premier pitchers in the OVAC during her prep days.

She helped lead the Lady Irish to four successive conference championships and a district crown. Amanda was a big-time player.

More importantly, Amanda was a big-time person.

She was loved by her teammates and friends not for her softball prowess — which was immense — but rather for being the caring, compassionate and character young lady she was.

Amanda was tragically killed in Akron last August. She was an innocent bystander at an outdoors party when she was struck by an out-of-control vehicle.

She was 21.

Such events give credence to the belief that life can be unfair.

Amanda in her all-too short life positively impacted countless people. That will be reflected at a ceremony Saturday at the 42nd Street Field in Bellaire where she both honed and displayed her impressive pitching skills.

Come Saturday, that field will be forever known as “Amanda’s Field.” It is a most fitting honor for a most special young lady, who left a lasting and positive influence on all those who were fortunate to be a part of her life.