Posted on 06/09/2010 12:50:46 PM PDT by La Enchiladita
LOS ANGELES -- The 3-year-old girl who suffered a fractured skull when hit in the head by a Russell Martin line drive in batting practice Monday underwent surgery Tuesday and a full recovery is expected, doctors said. "The surgery went well and we anticipate a full recovery," said Dr. J. Gordon McComb, head of the division of neurosurgery for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. "We expect she'll be able to go home by the end of the week."
Martin was taking batting practice when he pulled a wicked line drive into the baseline field box seats just past third base. The girl was picked up and cradled by her father, who rushed her to first aid. She then was taken to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, where the surgery was performed.
"I talked to the dad earlier today," said Martin. "It definitely was an accident and there really was nothing else you could do. I'm glad to hear she had surgery and she's doing better and long-term she'll be OK. I'm sure she's still a little shaken up. It's definitely tough for the whole family, but at least I'm glad she'll be OK.
"When it happened, I wasn't sure how serious it was," he said. "Then I saw she was hit in the head and didn't know if she lost consciousness. A fractured skull is pretty bad, but as long as she has a good recovery. My prayers were with her."
Martin said he intends to visit the girl "when the time is right." He said when he hit the ball, it looked like it was headed for an unoccupied section of seats, "but it had a lot of topspin, and it just sunk where the girl had her head poking out."
I agree. But apparently, some baseball purists are willing to sacrifice small children.....
Oh please, don’t start that. No one wants little children getting hurt. That’s why we followed this story. You can’t childproof the whole world.
And there’s a huge difference between “childproofing the whole world” and putting up a net to prevent 100mph balls from flying into a seating area.
Agreed. And Mr. Martin's comments are quite satisfactory as well.
I predict the little girl, her family and Martin will become good friends.
I know I need to ping people from the other thread but I’m way too lazy so I’ll at least let you guys know.
BP = batting practice
The kid seemed OK and got a bat for his pains.
Surprised me that he was not taken to hospital for a check up. Dad did not seem too concerned.
Thank you.
The Dodgers are lookin’ good!!
Simple solution: No children.
How ‘bout....no baseball? :D
Damn right too dangerous. BUT, we could do what the poster suggested and require full protective equipment for all fans, PLUS the net, and PLUS, maybe they could make the baseball softer, and more friendly, just in case one got through.
Of course, when I was a kid, my dad took me to watch NASCAR and I played baseball. I can't imagine paying to sit and watch that game.
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