The Saddest Thing I Have Ever Seen

In the second game of a Mahoning Valley Scrappers – Jamestown Jammers doubleheader, one of the saddest things I have ever witnessed took place.  In the second inning, an unidentified four-year-old was struck in the head with a line drive foul ball.  The sickening thud quieted everything.  The next thing I saw was a father in a state of panic carrying the child from the first row seat just past the home dugout and frantically screaming for help.  An EMT met the father and the child and guided them into a tunnel leading to the lower-level corridor.

Everything was silent.  The game was halted as everyone held their collective breath for well over a minute.  Once play resumed, I heard the sirens of an ambulance.  I ignored the game for a moment to exit the press room and look over the balcony hoping to get an encouraging glimpse of the young child showing movement or sitting up with an ice pack on his head. 

When the EMT’s got the stretcher up the six steps and the boy was carried and gently laid down, I saw nothing to be hopeful for.  The child was motionless, the family was horrified, and anyone who saw what I saw was scared.

After the game ended, I drifted back to the locker room to get some thoughts from Scrappers Manager Travis Fryman.  Upon getting settled, I overheard Fryman relaying a status update to his team.  I could only get bits and pieces of what he was saying, but knew that it could not be good news.

When Fryman came through the curtain, I asked him to relay any information he had.  “The reports I have have not been optimistic.  A four-year-old boy was hit in the head with a line drive.  There are some cranial issues and some spinal issues that are going on here.  Obviously, the young man will need as much family and prayer support as anyone can give him.  I cringe as a dad and as a coach because I see so much of this, but I have never seen a death as a result.  I probably hurt more as a parent and a father right now as I do a baseball manager.”

The ball came off the bat of Scrapper Ben Carlson.  Fryman commented on Carlson, “Ben is one of the most genuine and sincere and caring young men I have had in two years here.  He is a great teammate, loves his teammates.  This is going to sit really heavy on him through the night tonight.”

It is with a tear in my eye and a prayer in my heart that I can only wish the best for the poor kid who was unintentionally hurt.  I will also pray for Ben Carlson who has to be devastated. 

I will continue to update this story as I receive information.

***Update 9/4/09 @ 1 AM  The boy underwent surgery and has since been transported to an undisclosed children’s hospital where he is said to be in an induced coma.

***Update 9/4/09 @ 12:43 PM  The boy hit by the line drive has been identified as Luke Holko.  Holko has since been moved to Akron Children’s Hospital where he remains in an induced coma.  He has undergone surgery for skull fractures and the next few days are critical. 

***Update 9/4/09 @ 10:40 PM  No change on Luke’s status as far as I could find out.  The Youngstown State baseball team is raising money for their own program by doing vending duties since most of the regular vendors have gone back to their colleges.  Every cent they made at tonight’s Scrappers game was donated to Luke’s cause.  It was great to see these young men working hard to raise money.  There is a benefit cookout scheduled to take place at Sam’s Club in Warren, Ohio on Monday, September 7 (Labor Day) from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.  The money generated from the cookout will be used to help offset medical expenses to the family of Luke Holko.  Scrappy The Dog will be on hand.  The address for Sam’s Club #6327 is 1040 Niles-Cortland Rd., Warren, OH.  I will continue to pass along updates as I get them.

***Status Update 9-5-09 @ 9 AM  Luke Holko’s condition is listed as critical.  His family held a press conference yesterday at Akron Children’s Hospital in which the boy’s mother, Nicole Holko, said she is happy that the community is flooding the family with e-mails, support, and donations.  The family also thanked EMT’s for their quick response at the game.  Luke underwent surgery in Youngstown to lift the fracture and take pressure off of his brain.  On Thursday, Luke was transported to Akron where doctors are waiting for the pressure to decrease before they can determine what the long-term effects of the injury will be.  It could take up to 5 days for the swelling to go down.  More updates to follow.

***Status Update 9-5-09 11:30 PM  Be sure to click on the comments at the bottom of this story, I recently received a comment from a close friend of the family which includes a direct quote from Luke’s father.  They are reading this blog and appreciate the support.  Travis Fryman and Ben Carlson traveled to Akron Children’s Hospital this morning where they spent time with the Holko family.  I talked with Ben Carlson after the game tonight.  I wish all professional athletes could see how they should have acted when they were 21.  Ben is doing better and thanks everyone for the support.  Travis also remarked at how incredibly grateful the Holko family is for the overwhelming support.  More updates as I get them.  Thanks for caring enough to check back.  Anyone who knows I was asked by the local television news media and only provided audio clips as an anonymous media source can explain that I am not following this story to promote my website.  I am merely trying to relay information to those concerned for the well-being of Luke, his family, and Ben.  Being the only media source reporting on the incident the night it happened has strengthened my own concerns for the above mentioned parties. 

IMG_3458 by you.

***Update 9-7-09 5:15 PM  I attended the fundraiser held at the Warren, Ohio,  Sam’s Club to raise money for Luke in the theme of a Labor Day cookout (pictured).  Scrappy, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers Mascot was on-hand.  Several people were lined up to buy the picnic fare food to which all proceeds were being donated to Luke Holko.  I spoke with event coordinator and Sam’s Club grocery/produce manager Jendi Pregibon.  “The response has been overwhelming.  When we started at ten o’clock we had alot of the family members here.  Luke’s aunt is still here with the others volunteering their time.”

I asked Pregibon how she came to be involved in the project to which she very emotionally replied, “I had my family there [at that particular game] and saw it.  We [Sam’s Club] want to reach out to our community and show them how much we care.

27 Responses to “The Saddest Thing I Have Ever Seen”

  • DiLo:

    We just posted this on our site, gave the link to yours for all the details. This is absolutely awful. I can’t imagine having to witness it.

  • My thoughts and prayers are with this little boy’s family… this is just devastatingly sad.

  • dobs:

    Thanks Paneech…that was a very compassionate article for the child and his family…very well done. For once I am really glad I missed a Scrappers game. It just goes to show how very fragile life is…

  • Shay:

    We were also at this game and having a four year old nephew of my own, I am horrified at what happened. We are praying for the boy and his family as well as for Ben.

  • Kim Stewart:

    I was right behind the boy when he was hit. It was tragic. I’ve been praying all day for a miracle.

  • […] Jeez, this was terrible news to wake up to. My buddy Paneech was at a minor league game and a 4 year old kid got hit with a line drive. He’s fighting for his life. Say prayers, please. [Paneech] […]

  • Our prayers are being asked today for this little boy, his family, also the manager Travis Fryman and his team “Scrappers”. We know God’s will will prevail. All of you are in our prayers.

  • Kathleen Fryman:

    The little boy and his family are being lifted up in prayer all over down here in the South. His story has touched everyone and we are praying for the healing of this child and strength for the family during this tragic time.

  • Luke you are in our thoughts and prayers as you recover, and to the family, Nicole and Chad that god gives you the strenth to get thro this difficult time, know your family is behind you with prayers and love, Hope our little guy comes thro with the best outcome.

  • Tara:

    Hello, my name is Tara and I am a friend of the family. I just wanted to say that they are so thankful for all the well wishes and prayers coming from everyone! Keep them coming.
    Update for you direct quote from his father.
    “He has taken a couple of breathes this morning on his own, has made a few movements for the PT lady, also he coughed when the best nurse here (Katherine)( they are all awesome) suctioned his lungs. All are good signs, our fingers are crossed and hoping for more. It is up to GOD and Luke now…… and Time……………… Thank you all.”

  • Sally Henderson:

    Wow what a story. Our prayers go out to this little boy and his family. Prayer is a powerful thing and through God all things are possible. We will continue to watch for updates and keep the family and also the player who was invovled in our prayers.

  • Cathy:

    Luke is such a special little guy, and our family is behind him, praying for his recovery.
    keep improving every day Luke, we love you.

  • Kim S.:

    Thank you, Tara, for the update. Those are great signs. We’ll keep praying for Luke’s recovery!

  • Renie:

    I am praying for everyone involved in this tragic event.I hope that everyone can find some strenght in their faith and the outpouring support of the communities.

  • I want to let this family know I am praying for this precious little boy, and I know God is in control. May all involved know We are praying for you. Travis we are proud of you, and God is using you daily…

  • joni woofter:

    Be well, Luke. You have so much to live for and so many people who care for you as we do. Sometimes really good things come out of really bad things that happen in one’s life. It can possibly make you a much stronger person. Out thoughts are with you each day that you recover. Tim and Joni Woofter

  • Renee:

    My daughter and husband were sitting right next to Luke when he was hurt. My daughter was very upset about the who thing. She wants to know everday how he’s doing. So get well Luke. Our thoughts and prays are with you.

  • Jean Askew:

    Dear family of Luke, My son was taken to the hospital with a brain bleed and very serious brain injury July 7th! The neuro-surgeon said that night that he may be a vegetable for life…IF…he lived! Because of our merciful God who is the Great Physician, my son has been healed! We have experienced a miracle and so will you! It takes time and please try to be patient! I will ask all of the folks praying for my son to pray for Luke and believe me…there are MANY!!! God answers prayer! I look forward to the day you hear Luke laughing and I pray it is soon! I remember how I rejoiced at the sound of my boys laughter! In the precious name of Jesus, we claim Luke’s complete healing! From one Mother’s heart to another…I send my love! In His love, Jean Askew 850-748-7653

  • Rich Ison:

    Luke,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy and full recovery..Our hearts go out to your family and all involved.

    The Ison Family

  • […] read the original Paneech.com posting, The Saddest Thing I Have Ever Seen, click here. ________________________________________________________________________ Please remember to […]

  • Lori:

    Praying for Luke every day!! Get well soon buddy! Just a correction. It was Luke’s Cousin not Aunt working at the Sam’s cookout.

  • Robert:

    Just wanted to inform everyone that we are holding a benefit golf outinf for Luke. It will be Oct 10th at Bronzewood Golf Course. Please Contact me at Bobbckwardisbob@aol.com to donate, volunteer or for an entry form for the outing.

  • Angie:

    I read about Luke and I wanted to send my well wishes and prayers…. For this to happen to such a beautiful little boy seems uncomprehendable. May God bless Luke… Please help him through this.

  • i read the story a short whike ago.

    My thoughts and prayers are with the family. As a mother I feel the pain. May God continue to strenghten you in this difficult time.

  • shannon:

    what is the latest update on this little boy?

  • […] Luke Holko is or how he was injured by a foul ball at a Scrappers game this Summer, feel free to click here for a story published on Paneech.com the night the incident happened.  Please stop by the […]

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