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Snowblower accident leaves 15-year-old pitcher frustrated
Chicago Sun Times ^ | 7/23/2011 | Jon Seidel

Posted on 07/24/2011 7:46:26 AM PDT by Krankor

Kenny McGill loves to be in control, especially on the pitcher’s mound.

That’s where the 15-year-old from Plainfield could take charge for his youth baseball team, the Rangers, and win or lose the game.

“Baseball is, like, my life,” he said.

But these days he’s frustrated, and he’s not sure when he’ll take the mound again. In a frightening snowblower accident in December, Kenny lost part of one finger and the top of another on his right hand — his pitching hand. The physical wounds are healing, but some simple tasks, still challenge him. Opening a can of soda or playing a video game can be a daily reminder of his loss.

Worst of all for a teenager, he feels different. Kenny says he has been picked on since the accident because of the “nub” left behind. He’s enjoying a new summer job in downtown Plainfield, and he likes hanging out with a small group of friends. Being around other kids can be uncomfortable, though.

(Excerpt) Read more at suntimes.com ...


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Local News; Society
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The parents "blame themselves" but, of course, they're suing.
1 posted on 07/24/2011 7:46:28 AM PDT by Krankor
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To: Krankor

The Hall of Fame awaits.

2 posted on 07/24/2011 7:51:05 AM PDT by ClearCase_guy (The USSR spent itself into bankruptcy and collapsed -- and aren't we on the same path now?)
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To: Krankor

What a dumb thing for the kid to do. I use an old 9 iron to clear the chute.


3 posted on 07/24/2011 8:09:38 AM PDT by Huck
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To: ClearCase_guy

First things first. Drinking soda is no longer acceptable according to the linebacker, so you’re out of the woods on that. Soon playing baseball will be considered too dangerous and only sponge ball will be acceptable, so your really in good shape if you look at the big picture. Pick up some new habits like flying a kite or planting some fruits and veggies in a garden(just don’t think about selling lemonade on the corner without a license and food inspection seal...you may get shot)


4 posted on 07/24/2011 8:13:35 AM PDT by shadeaud (" If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten." -- George Carlin)
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To: Huck
My thinking is just- why are kids so damn mean to each other?
We have taught our kids to be sweet and caring towards others, especially those who are different and can't help it.
We have a baby with a cleft lip on the way. We love him and are looking forward to his arrival.
I know our kids will be so loving and protective of him, but it really stinks
that we even have to wonder what people will say about him behind our backs.
The surgery to repair will be done within 3 months of being born, perhaps as early as 6 or 8 weeks old.
But the fact that people can be so superficial and mean is just mind blowing.
I can't help but think this is why so many people have abortions. They worry that the kid will be made fun of. Of course killing the child is the worst thing a person can do.
But we live in a shallow and vain society where Facebook posts and websites for the family have become an idol, and a baby that may impact that storefront image is just too much to swallow for some people.
That is one reason I admire Sarah Palin so much. She has a baby with down syndrome and she just keeps her head and lives life to the fullest.
What an inspiration and example she has set.
I love that lady, and would be honored to have her as my President for so many reasons.
5 posted on 07/24/2011 8:24:30 AM PDT by Clump (the tree of liberty is withering like a stricken fig tree)
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To: Clump

I can’t stand kids. Their petty meanness is just one of their many hideous qualities.


6 posted on 07/24/2011 8:26:56 AM PDT by Huck
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To: Krankor

Kenny knew better than to reach his hand under the machine, where he’d find its dangerous main blade. .......
The McGills also filed a lawsuit in Cook County against Briggs & Stratton, the snowblower’s manufacturer, and Menards, the store where they bought it......Oh, Just jeeeesssh. Pay day for another dumb shiite?


7 posted on 07/24/2011 8:36:33 AM PDT by Safetgiver (I'd rather die under a free American sky than live under a Socialist regime.)
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To: Krankor

I just bought a brand new mower after my last one checked out for good.

The manual is 21 pages thick and mostly of bold print reminders to not stick my hands in the way of the moving blade....


8 posted on 07/24/2011 9:16:38 AM PDT by macquire
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To: Krankor

I just bought a brand new mower after my last one checked out for good.

The manual is 21 pages thick and mostly of bold print reminders to not stick my hands in the way of the moving blade....


9 posted on 07/24/2011 9:19:25 AM PDT by macquire
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To: Huck
What a dumb thing for the kid to do.

Yeah, probably the first 15 yr old to do something stupid.

10 posted on 07/24/2011 9:20:36 AM PDT by nascarnation
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To: Huck

I had several neighbors just like you when I grew up:

If you crossed their lawn they yelled at you telling you how stupid you were.

If you asked them to buy a candy bar to raise money for a special need, they would ridicule how much the candy cost, it’s taste, and your poor selling skills.

If you were playing kick the can in the neighborhood they would call the cops about the gang roaming the neighborhood.

If we sat on steps talking and laughing about girls, school, and boy stuff, they would come outside and accuse us of talking about them.

When their own kids would steal or punch someone it was obviously the other kid’s fault since they were the good parents.

Yes..........kids are so petty..wherever did they learn it.

Sheese.

YOU are the one that needs help.


11 posted on 07/24/2011 9:25:44 AM PDT by macquire
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To: nascarnation

When I was 15, I knew better than to stick my hand inside a running machine, especially if I knew it had sharp blades in it.


12 posted on 07/24/2011 9:26:27 AM PDT by RichInOC (No! BAD Rich! (What'd I say?))
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To: macquire

Your post sounds insane. Just thought I’d let you know.


13 posted on 07/24/2011 9:32:04 AM PDT by Gumption
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To: RichInOC
knew better than to stick my hand inside a running machine

I'm sure you were.

You're also on FR.

But there are thousands of people on DU too.

14 posted on 07/24/2011 9:56:44 AM PDT by nascarnation
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To: Huck

Me too, except for my own kids of course.
But they are actually enjoyable to be around, unlike most of the brats being raised in this society.


15 posted on 07/24/2011 9:59:47 AM PDT by Clump (the tree of liberty is withering like a stricken fig tree)
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To: Clump

You gotta take into consideration the parents are suing Menards and the manufacturer, so they want to present the poor kid’s predicament as horrible as possible- mental anguish and all that. What the kid went through is certainly no day in the park and he’s just entering that period of his life where fitting in is one of the most important things, so I feel for him. But making someone else pay for his mistake isn’t going to make him fit in any better.


16 posted on 07/24/2011 10:17:19 AM PDT by Krankor (I pushed my soul in a deep dark hole and then I followed it in.)
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To: Krankor
making someone else pay for his mistake isn’t going to make him fit in any better.

No, but it might provide a few years worth of BMW and child support payments for a personal injury atty

17 posted on 07/24/2011 10:19:38 AM PDT by nascarnation
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To: macquire

I’d like to know where the father was when this whole thing went down. Did he send the kid outside to clear the driveway while he watched TV? When he first got the snowblower, did he take the time to read the manual and go over it with his son? Before I clean or unclog my mower, I detach the spark plug first


18 posted on 07/24/2011 10:32:54 AM PDT by Krankor (I pushed my soul in a deep dark hole and then I followed it in.)
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To: Krankor

“Kenny cut off part of his finger!”

“That bastard!”


19 posted on 07/24/2011 11:10:59 AM PDT by hattend (Its a matter of public record that I did not go to Harvard Law School, but I can add. - Sarah Palin)
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To: macquire
when I grew up

Doesn't sound like it.

20 posted on 07/24/2011 3:09:37 PM PDT by Huck
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