Aledo High Honors Late Coach with First Pitch

Tagg Thompson throws strike to open game, joined by teammates and brother Troop

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:10pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the ceremonial first pitch at an Aledo High School baseball game, with the pitcher's mound, batter's box, and players' movements fractured into sharp, overlapping planes of bright red, blue, and yellow.A community comes together to honor a beloved coach through the ceremonial first pitch at an Aledo High School baseball game.Aledo Today

Tagg Thompson, the son of late Aledo Athletics coach Cole Thompson, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at an Aledo High School baseball game on April 14. Tagg's pitch was a strike down the middle, with his brother Troop Thompson and Aledo players and coaches looking on.

Why it matters

The first pitch ceremony was a touching tribute to Cole Thompson, who had been a beloved coach and board member for the Aledo youth sports program before passing away last June. The event allowed the community to honor Cole's legacy and support his family during their time of grief.

The details

Tagg Thompson, the 16-year-old son of the late Cole Thompson, threw out the first pitch at the Aledo High School baseball game on April 14. Tagg's pitch was a perfect strike down the middle of the plate as his brother Troop, Aledo head coach Chad Barry, and players Lucas Nawrocki and Jackson Loos looked on from the mound.

  • Tagg Thompson threw out the first pitch on April 14, 2026.
  • Cole Thompson, Tagg and Troop's father, passed away in June 2025.

The players

Tagg Thompson

The 16-year-old son of the late Aledo Athletics coach Cole Thompson.

Troop Thompson

Tagg Thompson's brother, who also participated in the first pitch ceremony.

Chad Barry

The head coach of the Aledo High School baseball team.

Lucas Nawrocki

An Aledo High School baseball player who was present for the first pitch.

Jackson Loos

An Aledo High School baseball player who was present for the first pitch.

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What they’re saying

“It was a really special moment for our team and the whole community to have Tagg out there throwing the first pitch. Cole meant so much to all of us, and we're glad we could honor his memory in this way.”

— Chad Barry, Aledo High School Baseball Coach

The takeaway

The first pitch ceremony was a poignant way for the Aledo community to come together and remember a beloved coach who had a lasting impact on youth sports in the area. Tagg and Troop's participation allowed them to honor their father's legacy while also receiving support from their teammates and the broader community.