LIBERAL, Kan. (AP) — Family, friends and teammates of a 9-year-old Kansas boy who died when he was accidentally hit by a bat honored him Tuesday as an inspiration whose big smile will always be remembered.

A funeral for Kaiser Carlile was held at the Seward County Community Center gymnasium. Kaiser was injured Aug. 1 by a player’s swing near the on-deck circle during a National Baseball Congress World Series game in Wichita.

He died the next day.

His Liberal Bee Jays teammates were among several hundred people who attended the funeral. His parents and his sister all spoke during the service. The parents thanked people from Liberal and across the nation who have overwhelmed them with support and prayers since the boy’s death.