Community rallies around critically injured Maple Shade baseball player
A wave of support continues to grow for 12-year-old Xavier Taylor, the Maple Shade baseball player critically injured after being struck in the neck by a ball during warmups nearly two weeks ago.
"We believe in miracles," said Karen Tilton, president of Maple Shade Girls Softball, as the community unites around the young athlete.
Residents across the region and country have worn Xavier's number 6 at games, placed bats outside their homes, and dressed in blue to show solidarity.
#newjersey #fypage #fyp #baseball https://6abc.com/post/xavier-taylor-update-community-rallies-around-critically-injured-maple-shade-baseball-player/19243366/
We begin here tonight at 1030 with a tremendous outpouring of support for a young baseball player in South Jersey.
Yeah, 12-year-old Xavier Taylor was on the field doing what he loves when he was struck by a ball and critically injured.
Action News reporter Brianna Smith takes us to his hometown in Maple Shade, Burlington County,
where the city is bubbling with the color blue, this in hopes of his recovery.
We believe in miracles.
Within days, 12-year-old Xavier Taylor captured hearts in his hometown of Maple Shade and nationwide.
It's heartwarming, it really is.
From wearing Xavier's number six at baseball games to placing bats outside homes to simply wearing blue,
family, friends, and strangers continue to show their unwavering support.
I just believe that his story is not done yet.
The young baseball player was accidentally hit in the neck with a ball during warm-ups nearly two weeks ago.
He was critically injured and remains at Cooper University Hospital on a ventilator.
It makes me sad to see him in the hospital right now.
But Xavier's father says he's making progress.
Xavier is no longer on blood pressure medication, his vitals are stable, and he's receiving nutritional care.
I hope that he's feeling the love right now from all of us.
Xavier's father says Phillies catcher Garrett Stubbs even paid him a special visit and delivered this signed bat.
The Trenton Thunder also dedicated a signed bat to Xavier and had a ceremony for him at home plate.
As a symbol that he is not fighting this battle alone.
Sending messages of healing until Xavier is back on the field where he belongs.
I hope you get way better and everyone including me is sending prayers to you.
Everyone cannot wait until we see you again.
Yes, there's an overwhelming amount of love and support for Xavier.
And if you see bright blue lights, that's also an honor of him.
The community continues to collect donations for the family.
So far, they've raised over $125,000.
In Camden, Brianna Smith for Action News at 10 on PHL 17.