Overview
- A loose baseball struck 12-year-old Xavier Taylor during pregame warmups on Tuesday, May 26, and he collapsed on the field before being airlifted to Cooper University Hospital.
- Hospital sources reported by family and local outlets say Xavier remains in critical condition and has been placed on a ventilator in the intensive care unit.
- Gregory Taylor, Xavier’s father, called the event a “freak accident,” urged that no one be blamed, and has asked the public for prayers and support.
- Hundreds attended a candlelight prayer vigil at Fellowship Columbia Bank Field and community fundraising and meal-train efforts have raised tens of thousands of dollars for the family.
- The Maple Shade Baseball Association submitted an incident report to Babe Ruth League headquarters and township police, and accounts differ on whether the ball struck Xavier’s neck, head, or face as officials continue their review.