(Twitter)
Kaiser Carlile, a 9 year-old bat boy for the Liberal Bee Jays, was killed after an accident during one of the games this past Saturday. Read on for the sad details on Carlile dying while doing what he loved.
R.I.P. Kaiser.
1. He Was Struck In The Head By a Batter Who Was Warming Up
Kaiser Carlile, 9-year-old bat boy hit in head during game, dies http://t.co/Yq6JfHCXXG http://t.co/J556ThIlzg
During a National Baseball Congress World Series game against the San Diego Waves in Wichita, Carlile was struck in the head by a batter doing a warm-up swing. He was taken to the hospital where he was in critical condition until his passing. A witness named Jim Parks recalled the incident, stating:
The bat boy retrieved the other bat and he just ran right by him, and he was swinging, and it hit him in the helmet.
National Baseball Congress General Manager Kevin Jenks told NBC:
It’s difficult to remember a day that is darker than this one. Sometimes life doesn’t make sense and this accident certainly is a memorable example. Kaiser was simply doing something he loved.
2. The Team Announced The News of Carlile’s Death Via Facebook
The team let fans know about Carlile’s death in a sad Facebook message, writing:
With the permission of the family, and with much sorrow and a very broken heart, I regretfully inform everyone that Kaiser Carlile passed away earlier this evening. Please keep his family and our team in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you all for the support during this ordeal!
Team members have also been posting tributes to Carlile all over Twitter and Instagram, like the photo tribute above, which reads:
Kaiser, you were a little brother I never had. You took the field with us every game this summer. You were, and always will be a Bee Jay. No person or team could ask for a better bat boy. It is terrible to see you leave in such a way, but knowing your last moments were on the baseball field makes it easier through this whole process, because you were doing what you loved. It hurts to see someone so young and with so much heart pass like you did, but you are now in God’s hands, and being the bat boy for the angels up above. We all love you, and you will be greatly missed.
R.I.P. Kaiser Carlile
Carlile had been bat boy for the team for most of the season.
3. There Is A GoFundMe Campaign For Carlile’s Family
Baseball bat boy, 9, dies after being accidentally hit in head
http://t.co/3og7jcQCkn http://t.co/qVK1Dqjcw0
In order to help with the medical expenses left over and the financial needs of Carlile’s family, a GoFundMe campaign has been created by the Liberal Bee Jays. Their goal is $100,000.
4. An Umpire Administered First-Aid to Carlile Until Paramedics Arrived
9-year-old bat boy dies one day after being accidentally struck by bat during baseball game: http://t.co/xyiihUkGB8 http://t.co/PrvW41tN6U
After being hit in the head, an umpire administered first-aid to the boy until paramedics arrived at the scene. Nathan McCaffrey, the president of the college summer league team, told CNN:
Just to see him fall, that’s what crushes you.
Carlile was wearing a helmet when he was hit.
5. The Team Honored Carlile Together Last Night
The Liberal Bee Jays kneel in prayer after discovering the tragic news of Kaiser Carlile’s passing after the game. http://t.co/OEMrHXiQrU
Upon hearing of Carlile’s death, the Liberal Bee Jays knelt down in prayer last night after their game to honor the young boy. In addition, many of the teammates have posted sad tweets and tributes online.