Coach S,
Thanks for sharing your story. Several years ago, a similar story happened at our son's school. After the game, going thru the handshake line of both teams, one of our players dropped dead, with an unknown heart condition. His mother was there alone that day, celebrating her 40th birthday. This kid lived & breathed baseball. To this day, the team's ball caps have the lettering: T.N.F.G. & their practice jerseys have the words spelled out on the backs ~ Take Nothing For Granted.
Football & Basketball rule most schools, as was the case at our school, when our now legend / Coach of the year(s) H.C. came on board. Winning State 3 times in the last 10 year's of his coaching, including back to back title wins. Somehow, he was able to instill the things you hope to, and under similar circumstances too. The kids love playing for him. They respect him and the game. He isn't a touchy feely kind of guy. He keeps his emotions intact, for the most part at games. Practices, I wouldn't know. He demands a respect for the game, including how one wears their uniform, cap, the length of a player's hair, and no chanting from the dugout, cheering is ok. The team's actually practice timing sprints from the field to the dugout, because they will always be doing that kind of hustling during a game.
So now, our school is known for its baseball. Families intentionally move within our district, for the opportunity to play for this school.
So, it may take time to turn things around, but it can be done. It's got to start somewhere!
Best of luck!