New Jersey Boy in Critical Condition After Baseball Incident

A 12-year-old boy from New Jersey is in critical condition after being struck in the head during warm-ups before a baseball game. The incident occurred last week at Fellowship Columbia Bank Field, near Maple Shade, as reported by NBC Philadelphia.

Following the accident, Xavier Taylor was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. The Maple Shade police confirmed his hospitalization.

The Maple Shade Youth Baseball Association issued a statement emphasizing their support for Xavier and his family. The statement highlighted the community’s role, saying, Our primary goal now is to ensure we are there for them in prayer and faith, helping them every way we can. They also thanked those who have shown support both locally and from across the country, urging continued prayers for Xavier.

Xavier’s father, Greg Taylor, shared with NBC Philadelphia through a video post on Sunday that Xavier remains in very critical condition and is on a ventilator. Greg Taylor said, We’re pushing day by day to hope that the activity comes back. He shared a touching moment involving Xavier’s younger sibling, who brought a pair of shoes to the hospital, declaring they were for Xavier when he recovers.

A vigil took place on Thursday night at the field where the incident happened. During the event, teammates and community members gathered, many wearing Xavier’s team number, No. 6. Greg Taylor addressed the attendees, expressing his son’s passion for baseball and his belief that Xavier will play again.

The Maple Shade community has shown solidarity by lighting up its Main Street with blue, the color of Xavier’s team. The Maple Shade Youth Baseball Facebook page encouraged community members to place baseball bats on their porches as a show of support for Xavier.

Other local teams have also expressed their support by posting pictures dedicated to Xavier on their Facebook pages.