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Sams and Briggs Midsummer Classic brings Omaha rivals together
Tuesday night’s legion baseball matchup between Omaha North and Omaha Central meant more than the final score.
OMAHA, Neb. —
Tuesday night’s legion baseball matchup between Omaha North and Omaha Central meant more than the final score.
The teams faced off in the annual Sams and Briggs Midsummer Classic, honoring the lives and legacies of Trevon Sams and Briggs O’Neill. 10-year-old O’Neill, son of Viking’s assistant football coach Todd O’Neill, died in 2021, while Sams, a former Central player and coach, died in 2022 at age 32.
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Omaha North alum and Nebraska cornerback Donovan Jones was among the ceremonial first pitches for Tuesday’s game.
The game is a reunion between rivals, but family members say this event remains special for both sides.
“It’s emotional,” said Earl Sams, Trevon Sams’ father. “But at the same time, I know the impact that Trevon, Briggs are making on other young student-athletes.”
“There’s no better way than to get us together for a big-time baseball game on a summer night playing legion baseball,” said David O’Neill, uncle of Briggs O’Neill. “It’s really special, and everybody really enjoys it.”
This is the fifth year that the annual game has been held.
