Xavier Taylor was hospitalized following the incident at a New Jersey youth baseball field on Tuesday, May 26
Credit: getty
NEED TO KNOW
- A 12-year-old boy is in critical condition following an injury involving his youth baseball team
- Xavier Taylor was struck in the neck with a baseball during pregame warm-ups on the field
- “He will walk out of this hospital,” his father said
A New Jersey child has been hospitalized after suffering a sports injury while with his youth baseball team.
Xavier Taylor, 12, was struck in the neck with a baseball during pregame warm-ups with Maple Shade Youth Baseball on Tuesday, May 26, ABC 7 NY, CBS News and NBC Philadelphia reported.
PEOPLE reached out to Maple Shade Youth Baseball for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
Xavier was airlifted from the field to Cooper University Hospital, and remained in critical condition as of Friday, May 29, per ABC 7 NY.
Following the incident, the youth baseball organization shared several messages of support from other teams on its Facebook account.
“The Pittsgrove IronPigs are keeping Xavier, his family, teammates, coaches, and the entire Royals organization in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” one post read.
“Baseball is about family and community. Competition fades, but community stands strong! We stand beside you with love, strength, and support — because this is more than baseball,” the post continued.
The child’s father, Greg Taylor, explained how the injury happened, adding that he did not blame anyone for the freak accident.
"An unpredicted ball got loose from one of the players and struck him in his neck and he collapsed on the ground," the retired firefighter said, per CBS News.
On Thursday, May 28, the community gathered for a prayer vigil at Fellowship Columbia Bank Field, the same place the incident happened, where Taylor addressed those who came out for his son.
"My son Xavier loves this game. He will play this game again," he told the crowd in footage captured by ABC 7 NY.
What's your sign? Subscribe to our free newsletter to get your unique weekly horoscope delivered straight to your inbox.
"Tonight, we are here to lift him up in prayer, strength and hope and love," an attendee said, per the news station. "Baseball teaches us about teamwork, showing up for one another and never giving up, and tonight, that's exactly what we're doing for Xavier."
Many who showed up wore No. 6 on their clothing, which is Xavier’s number for the Maple Shade Youth Baseball team.
"I could not have asked or ever dreamt of support like this right now, but our end goal is for our son to be back on this field or whatever field is next destined for him," Taylor said.
Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE's free sports newsletter — sign up now!
Xavier is Taylor’s middle child, and loves baseball so much that he plays for three different teams, Taylor told CBS News.
He added that his kid is happiest on the field, and reiterated how much the community’s support means to their family.
"The outpouring of love, the texts, the support, the donations, the visitors that have come and seen him have been absolutely the reason myself, wife, and family have gotten through everything so far," Taylor said.
"Just keep all the prayers and the love and support coming, a miracle will happen for our boy. He will walk out of this hospital," he added.
Read the full article here