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ESA, Ariz. -- They traveled from as far away as Japan and Hawaii and Alaska. There was a dentist, a police officer, a high school teacher, a mattress salesman, a retired air traffic controller, a criminal lawyer, a general, a heavy equipment worker. There was a father and son, a husband and wife, two brothers, childhood friends and work colleagues.

For seven balmy days in January, they put their often-demanding lives on pause and escaped to their baseball utopia, the Oakland Athletics' newly renovated minor league facility. They donned an official major league uniform with their names on the jersey. They played a baseball game in the morning and then another one in the afternoon. They were fed and trained and treated like real major leaguers.

Part of the draw was an opportunity to rub shoulders with -- and test their skills against -- baseball stars they had long revered as fans, players such as Jose Canseco and Bert Campaneris and Mike Moore.

And Dave Henderson.

Dave Henderson Baseball Adventures has been operating A's and Seattle Mariners fantasy baseball camps for 17 years, but the 2016 camp was the first without its namesake. On Dec. 27, 2015, Henderson died from a massive heart attack at the age of 57.

Yet, less than three weeks later, the camp went on as scheduled. His death was still fresh on the minds and in the hearts of those who knew Hendu, with his unforgettable, gap-toothed smile and larger-than-life personality. Beyond his enviable baseball résumé, Hendu was everyone's friend.

"I'm missing Hendu the most," said David McLaughlin of Port Charlotte, Florida. "He had the most infectious smile you could ever have. It lit up the room. He remembered everybody."

For the 60 campers, ranging in age from 30 to 79 -- and the 11 pros serving as coaches -- Hendu remained a galvanizing presence at the Lew Wolff Training Complex. His No. 42 jersey still hung in his locker in the clubhouse. His video highlights were shown in the sports bar at the camp hotel each night. Campers and coaches laughed as they shared their favorite Hendu stories.

While the campers lived out their baseball fantasy, one Hendu had created for them, no one lost sight of his motto: "Always have fun."

"I'm feeling 17 again," said Bob Garvin of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. "The smell of the leather glove, the feel of the game ... I feel like I'm back in high school playing baseball, and you can't put a price on that feeling."

I’m feeling 17 again. The smell of the leather glove, the feel of the game ... I feel like I’m back in high school playing baseball, and you can’t put a price on that feeling.” Camper Bob Garvin of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

I saved up my pennies to get [to Mesa]. It’s an escape from reality -- just what it says. It's a fantasy to be here.” Heavy equipment operator Dave "Mac" McLaughlin