A 12-year-old New Jersey boy is fighting for his life after a freak baseball accident left him critically injured during warmups.
Xavier Taylor was struck in the neck by a baseball on Tuesday while warming up before a Maple Shade Youth Baseball game in South Jersey, according to ABC7 in New York.
The young player was reportedly hit by an errant throw and had to be airlifted to Cooper University Hospital. He remains in the intensive care unit in critical condition.
The frightening accident has devastated the local baseball community, but Xavier’s family, teammates and neighbors are refusing to give up hope.
“My son Xavier loves this game. He will play this game again,” his father, Greg Taylor, reportedly told a crowd gathered at Fellowship Columbia Bank Field.
On Thursday night, hundreds of people came together at the same field where the accident happened for an emotional prayer vigil. Friends, neighbors, teammates and supporters lit candles, played music and wore shirts honoring Xavier’s No. 6 jersey number.
“Tonight, we are here to lift him up in prayer, strength and hope and love,” one speaker said, according to the report.
Another speaker said the community was showing the same values that baseball teaches young players.
“Baseball teaches us about teamwork, showing up for one another and never giving up, and tonight, that’s exactly what we’re doing for Xavier,” the speaker said.
Supporters have also rallied around the Taylor family in other ways. A meal train was organized, and more than $60,000 has reportedly been raised to help the family during the crisis.
Greg Taylor said he was overwhelmed by the love shown to his son and family.
“I could not have asked or ever dreamt of support like this right now, but our end goal is for our son to be back on this field or whatever field is next destined for him,” he said.
In a Facebook post that included photos of Xavier, Greg shared another emotional message about the support they have received.
“There can be no words our family has of the outpouring of love, visitors, support, donations, thoughts, and prayers to our family over the last few days,” he wrote.
He added that the family is still believing for a miracle.
“We believe and come into agreement that miracles do exist and a miracle will happen for our Xavier,” Greg wrote.
