❤️ Positive Update: Xavier Taylor Has Been Moved Out of ICU! ❤️
A 12-year-old New Jersey boy is in critical condition and on a ventilator days after being hit with a baseball in the neck during pre-game warm-ups, according to U.S. media reports.
Xavier Taylor, a player with Maple Shade Youth Baseball, was walking back to the dugout at Fellowship Columbia Bank Field on May 26 when he was hit with a baseball in the neck.
After Xavier was struck, he collapsed on the field and was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, N.J., NBC News reports.
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Xavier’s father, Greg Taylor, told CBS Philadelphia that “an unpredicted ball got loose from one of the players and struck him in his neck and he collapsed on the ground.”
This week, Greg told NBC News that his son is still in “very critical condition” and on a ventilator.
“We’re pushing day by day in hope that the activity comes back,” Greg said.
Greg said that his youngest son brought a pair of shoes to the hospital when they first arrived with Xavier after he was struck.
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The youngest son told his parents, “These are for Xavier when he comes home, because he’s walking out of here.”
The Maple Shade community has come together to help raise money for the Taylor family, with organized meals throughout the summer.
The Meal Train fundraiser had raised more than US$110,000 of its $2,500 goal from more than 1,400 donations as of Tuesday morning.
The president of the Maple Shade Baseball Association told Global News that they submitted their incident report to the Babe Ruth League Headquarters and Maple Shade Township Police Department.
“Our focus remains on supporting Xavier and the family during this difficult time. Our primary goal now is to ensure we are there for them in prayer and faith, helping them every way we can. We deeply appreciate the support shown by the community and those around the country, please keep all prayers coming,” a spokesperson for the Maple Shade Baseball Association told Global News in a statement.
Global News has reached out to the Maple Shade Police Department for further comment but has not received a response.
The Maple Shade Youth Baseball Association released a statement on Monday, writing, “First and foremost, we want to thank our entire Maple Shade Youth Baseball family for your understanding as our league leadership, coaches, volunteers, and families took the time needed to support the Taylor family during this incredibly difficult week.”
“After speaking with the Taylor family and having thoughtful discussions among our Board and coaching staff, we have made the decision to continue with our season. We ask for your patience and understanding as we work through what the remainder of this season will look like,” the organization added.
