Baseball game brings community together after tragedy shakes town

BESSEMER CITY, N.C. — Eight-year-old Caleb Self's mother, Amanda, was killed Sunday and his father critically injured when police said his grandfather Roger Self intentionally drove into the Surf and Turf Lodge in Bessemer City and ran into them.

Roger Self’s daughter, Kate, was also killed after his car slammed into his family who were sitting at a table for lunch after church. Many others were injured.

The community showed support for Caleb Thursday night at a Little League Baseball game.

His coach, Chad Brown, said healing was going to take place on this baseball field.

Caleb squared up to the plate and hit a home run, which was followed by cheers from the crowd of supporters.

Caleb's family wanted him to maintain some normalcy, so his coach moved forward with the regular scheduled game.

Hundreds of family members, law enforcement officers, and the community were emotional while cheering on Caleb during the game.

"It makes them heal a little bit gives them something to escape from that horror,” Brown said.

The Surf and Turf Lodge is expected to reopen Friday.

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