Not often will the church organist play “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” But it was fitting Saturday, when a light snow fell as the baseball community said goodbye to its friend John Stella. The 88-year-old died Dec. 1 of complications from leukemia.

Known for his devotion to the sport at Omaha South and the American Legion, Stella's funeral at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church was about a mile from his boyhood home. The church was packed with people who showed their love for Stella and baseball. Some wore Omaha South jerseys while others wore gear of Stella’s beloved New York Yankees.