On March 17th, 2023, a night that started with joy and friendship turned into tragedy. Xavi, a close friend of Dominick Lacasse, was out enjoying a night with friends when his life was cut short in an act of senseless violence. Xavi was shot while driving, and despite fighting for his life, he tragically passed away two weeks later. For Dominick, and many others who knew Xavi, the news hit hard. Their friendship transcended language barriers—Xavi’s English wasn’t strong, and Dominick’s Spanish wasn’t fluent—but despite that, they formed a close bond that went beyond words.

“I only knew Xavi for a little over a year, but he had such a big impact on my life,” said Dominick. “Even though our languages were different, we always found a way to communicate. His energy and positivity were contagious, and he was someone everyone loved being around.”

As the pitcher for the 3-time back-to-back-to-back Boricua Open Champions, Most Wanted, Dominick decided he wanted to carry Xavi’s memory with him onto the field. To honor his late friend, he collaborated with Mike Reynolds of M7 Customs to design a special helmet that symbolizes their friendship and the legacy Xavi left behind.

The helmet is a work of art, adorned with meaningful details that reflect not just Xavi’s life but also the vibrant spirit of Puerto Rico. The vibrant colors of the Puerto Rican flag shine boldly on one side, symbolizing Xavi's roots, while other intricate designs serve as a tribute to their friendship and shared love for softball.

This October, Dominick will wear the custom helmet while pitching in the Boricua Open, carrying Xavi with him in spirit. It’s more than just a piece of equipment—it's a personal reminder of the times they shared and the friendship they built. Every pitch thrown will be for Xavi, a tribute to a friend who may be gone but will never be forgotten.

“For me, this helmet is not just a way to honor Xavi; it’s a way to keep him with me,” Dominick explained. “He had such a positive impact on my life, and now, every time I’m on the field, it’s like he’s right there with me. His spirit will be part of the game.”

As the Most Wanted team aims to defend their title and extend their championship streak, Dominick will be pitching with an extra sense of purpose this year. The bond between him and Xavi is reflected in every detail of the custom helmet. Xavi's name and the phrase “Para Xavi” (#3) are inscribed on the back, a constant reminder of the love and respect Dominick holds for his friend.

“Se ha ido, pero no se ha olvidado,” Dominick shared emotionally. “Xavi is gone, but his memory will live on forever. This helmet is a symbol of that—he may not be here physically, but he’ll always be with me in spirit.”

As Dominick steps onto the mound this October at the Boricua Open, Xavi’s presence will be felt not only by Dominick but also by the entire community that knew and loved him. This tribute speaks to the larger softball community, where bonds formed on and off the field last a lifetime.

Se ha ido, pero no se ha olvidado. Que tu memoria siga viva, ya que te apreciaremos para siempre. Para Xavi.