The baseball world is in absolute shock this weekend after a 12-year-old boy was rushed to the hospital. A prayer vigil was held at Fellowship Columbia Bank Field on Thursday, May 28, the same place where the incident occurred, as part of the community’s response to the incident.
Here are the heartbreaking details.
Also Read: “This Is Disgusting” MLB Superstar Found Guilty Of Abuse Of Child (Breaking News)
12-Year-Old Rushed To Hospital After Baseball Incident
Injuries suffered by a New Jersey Youth Baseball player sent him to the hospital. It was reported by ABC 7 NY, CBS News and NBC Philadelphia that Xavier Taylor, 12, was struck in the neck with a baseball during pregame warm-ups with Maple Shade Youth Baseball.
Several sources at PEOPLE contacted Maple Shade Youth Baseball for comment, but no one responded right away. As of Friday, May 29, ABC 7 NY reports that Xavier remained in critical condition after being airlifted from the field to Cooper University Hospital:
Following the incident, the youth baseball organization shared several messages of support from other teams on its Facebook account.
“The Pittsgrove IronPigs are keeping Xavier, his family, teammates, coaches, and the entire Royals organization in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” one post read.
“Baseball is about family and community. Competition fades, but community stands strong! We stand beside you with love, strength, and support — because this is more than baseball,” the post continued.
The child’s father, Greg Taylor, explained how the injury happened, adding that he did not blame anyone for the freak accident.
In an interview with CBS News, Taylor explained that Xavier is Taylor’s middle child who enjoys baseball so much that he plays for three different teams.
According to him, his child is happiest on the field, and he emphasized how important community support is to the family.
“The outpouring of love, the texts, the support, the donations, the visitors that have come and seen him have been absolutely the reason myself, wife, and family have gotten through everything so far,” Taylor said.
“Just keep all the prayers and the love and support coming, a miracle will happen for our boy. He will walk out of this hospital,” he added.
