The Long island travel baseball team is saddened by the loss of two players in a terrible accident.

The Long island travel baseball team is saddened by the loss of two players in a terrible accident.

Long Island’s tight-knit baseball community is in mourning following the heartbreaking loss of two young players from the Long Island travel baseball team. The tragic accident, which occurred late Friday night, has sent shockwaves through the team, their families, and the broader community, leaving many grappling with grief.

The Devastating Incident

According to authorities, the accident took place on March 15, 2025, around 10:30 p.m. on the Southern State Parkway. The two players, identified as Michael “Mikey” Ramirez, 17, and Jason Collins, 16, were traveling home from a team practice when their vehicle was involved in a high-speed collision with another car.

Initial reports suggest that the accident was caused by a reckless driver who lost control of their vehicle, resulting in a multi-car pileup. Mikey and Jason, who were both sitting in the backseat, suffered fatal injuries upon impact. The driver of their vehicle and another passenger were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they remain in critical condition.

Authorities have launched a full investigation into the crash, and early reports indicate that alcohol and reckless driving may have played a role. The driver responsible for the accident has been taken into custody and is facing multiple charges, including vehicular manslaughter.

Remembering Mikey Ramirez and Jason Collins

Mikey Ramirez: A Passionate Athlete and a Leader

Mikey Ramirez, a senior at Long Island High School, was a dedicated baseball player with dreams of playing at the collegiate level. Known for his infectious energy and leadership on the field, Mikey was a standout shortstop with an impressive batting average. His coaches often described him as the “heart and soul” of the team.

“Mikey was more than just a great player—he was an incredible teammate, always lifting others up,” said Coach Anthony Rivera. “He had a bright future ahead of him, and his absence leaves a huge void in our team.”

Off the field, Mikey was known for his kindness and generosity. He was actively involved in community service and often volunteered at local youth baseball camps to mentor younger players. Friends and family describe him as someone who always had a smile on his face and a word of encouragement for those around him.

Jason Collins: A Rising Star with a Bright Future

Jason Collins, a junior, was an up-and-coming pitcher with a fastball that had scouts taking notice. He had been playing baseball since he was five years old and had recently received interest from several Division I colleges. His dream was to make it to the major leagues, and those who knew him believed he had the talent and drive to get there.

“Jason was a competitor,” said teammate Ryan Lopez. “He pushed himself and the rest of us to be better every single day. He never settled for less than 100 percent.”

Jason’s family and friends remember him as a devoted son, a loving brother, and a great friend. When he wasn’t on the baseball field, he enjoyed fishing with his father and spending time with his younger sister, whom he adored.

A Community in Mourning

The news of Mikey and Jason’s passing has sent waves of grief throughout the Long Island baseball community. Their high school has set up a memorial on the baseball field, where teammates, classmates, and coaches have left flowers, jerseys, and heartfelt messages.

A candlelight vigil was held at their school’s baseball field, where hundreds of students, parents, and community members gathered to pay their respects. Teammates shared memories of their lost friends, recalling their dedication, sportsmanship, and the joy they brought to those around them.

“This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” said Angela Ramirez, Mikey’s mother. “Mikey and Jason had so much life ahead of them. They were just kids chasing their dreams.”

Jason’s father, David Collins, spoke through tears at the vigil, saying, “Our boys loved this game. They gave everything they had to it. We can’t make sense of this loss, but we will honor them in every way we can.”

Support from the Baseball Community

The tragedy has not only affected Long Island but has also drawn support from baseball teams and organizations nationwide. Local professional and college baseball teams have expressed their condolences, with some offering to dedicate upcoming games in memory of Mikey and Jason.

The New York Mets released a statement offering their sympathies:

“We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic passing of two young athletes from the Long Island baseball community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families, teammates, and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”

Several GoFundMe pages have been set up to support the families of the victims, raising thousands of dollars within hours. The funds will help cover funeral expenses and provide financial assistance to the families as they navigate this unimaginable loss.

Calls for Road Safety Awareness

In the wake of the accident, there has been a renewed call for stricter enforcement of reckless driving laws. Parents and community leaders are urging lawmakers to implement harsher penalties for reckless driving, particularly in areas where young drivers are at risk.

“The Southern State Parkway has seen too many tragedies,” said community activist John Marino. “We need to take action to ensure this doesn’t happen to another family.”

Mikey’s and Jason’s families have vowed to advocate for safer driving laws in their memory. They hope to work with local officials to push for stricter penalties for reckless drivers and increased awareness campaigns to prevent future tragedies.

Honoring Their Legacy

In an effort to keep Mikey and Jason’s memory alive, the Long Island Travel Baseball Team has announced that they will be dedicating the upcoming season to their fallen teammates. Players will wear patches with their initials on their jerseys, and a memorial plaque will be placed in their honor at the team’s home field.

Additionally, the team has launched the Ramirez-Collins Memorial Scholarship, which will provide financial assistance to young baseball players who demonstrate the same dedication and passion for the game as Mikey and Jason did. The scholarship will help fund training, equipment, and college expenses for aspiring athletes.

“We want their legacy to live on,” said Coach Rivera. “They were more than just great players—they were incredible young men. This scholarship will ensure that their impact continues to be felt in the baseball world.”

Moving Forward

As the Long Island community continues to grieve, there is also a sense of unity and resilience. The loss of Mikey and Jason is a painful reminder of how fragile life can be, but it has also brought people together in support of one another.

In the coming weeks, the team, their families, and the community will gather for a formal memorial service to celebrate the lives of two young athletes taken far too soon. Their teammates will step onto the field knowing that Mikey and Jason’s spirit will always be with them.

“We’ll play for them,” said teammate Chris Martinez. “Every hit, every pitch, every game—it’s for them.”

While the pain of their loss will never fully fade, Mikey Ramirez and Jason Collins’ legacy will live on through the sport they loved, the teammates they inspired, and the community that will never forget them.