Panthers remember Stephen Hood
Published May 15. 2026 11:41PM
Former Panther Valley baseball star Stephen Hood, who graduated in 2024, was remembered during a special ceremony on May 4 before the varsity baseball game between the Panthers and Pine Grove.
Hood, who was a sophomore at Kutztown University, died in a one-car accident on Dec. 23.
His father, Ron Hood of Lansford, tossed out the ceremonial first pitch of the game.
Former Panther Valley baseball star Stephen Hood, who graduated in 2024, was remembered during the varsity baseball game between the Panthers and Pine Grove. Hood, who was a sophomore at Kutztown University, died in a one-car accident on December 23. His father, Ronald Hood, tossed out the first pitch of the game. RON GOWER/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Jen Hood, left, and Panther Valley High School principal Patricia Ebbert wear shirts honoring Jen's son, the late Stephen Hood, who was remembered during a special ceremony at the start of the Panther Valley versus Pine Grove baseball game. Stephen, a 2024 graduate of Panther Valley, was killed in a one-vehicle accident on December 23. He was an outstanding pitcher, infielder and batter for the Panthers. He graduated in 2024 and then went onto play baseball at Kutztown University. RON GOWER/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Ronald Hood of Lansford tosses out the first pitch for the baseball game between Panther Valley and Pine Grove in Lansford. Hood is the father of Stephen Hood, who was an outstanding pitcher, infielder and batter for the Panthers. He graduated in 2024 and then went onto play baseball at Kutztown University. He died in a one-vehicle accident on December 23. RON GOWER/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Ron Hood of Lansford accepts the game ball from Panther Valley head baseball coach Rich Evanko prior to Panther Valley's game against Pine Grove. Hood, the father of the late Stephen Hood, tossed out the first pitch of the game, during which Stephen was remembered during a special ceremony. Stephen, a 2024 graduate of Panther Valley, was killed in a one-vehicle accident on December 23. He was an outstanding pitcher, infielder and batter for the Panthers. He graduated in 2024 and then went onto play baseball at Kutztown University. RON GOWER/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Former Panther Valley baseball star Stephen Hood, who graduated in 2024, was remembered during the varsity baseball game between the Panthers and Pine Grove. Hood, who was a sophomore at Kutztown University, died in a one-car accident on December 23. His father, Ronald Hood, tossed out the first pitch of the game. Baseball and softball players from both Pine Grove and Panther Valley lined-up on the field to pay tribute. From left are Panther baseball coach Rich Evanko, Ron Hood, his wife Jen Hood, and assistant coaches Michael Pascoe and Jonathan Byers. RON GOWER/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS