Tragedy struck the pitcher’s mound on September 4th at the Angel’s vs Mariners baseball game in Seattle. During the game, Angels’ Matt Shoemaker was drilled in the side of the head by a ball hit by Mariners’ Kyle Seager at a speed of 105mph, and was immediately rushed to the hospital.
Matt Shoemaker was starting his third year as the starting pitcher for the Angels. The 29 year old has had 26 starts this season, 141 strikeouts in 158.2 innings, which were career high totals for him. Unfortunately, Shoemaker’s great season came to an abrupt stop with a head injury he inquired during his game on September 4th. In the middle of the second inning, Shoemaker had just pitched the eighth pitch on a 3-and-2 count which Kyle Seager squared up on perfectly. With a crack of the bat, the ball came barrelling at Shoemaker’s defenceless face at 105mph, nailing him in the side of the head. Instantly, he dropped down to his knees and was surrounded  by trainers and his teammates within seconds. After covering up his new wound, Shoemaker was rushed off the field to be evaluated by a medic. Later, the Angels’ pitcher was sent to the hospital for further testing of his injury. Eventually, the game concluded and the Angels won 4-2 against the Mariners and were headed to Oakland for their next game. All the while, Shoemaker stayed in Seattle as he waited to see a Neurologist. After being diagnosed with a small skull fracture and hematoma, Shoemaker underwent surgery and is now expected to have a full recovery in time for next season. The Angels are mourning the lost of their starting pitcher, but plan on continuing the season full speed ahead. As for those who attended the eventful game, there are no words to describe the shock of the reality of what had happened. Seattle Mariners’ Kyle Seager had said “that was probably the scariest thing I’ve ever seen on a baseball field…it was a lot bigger than baseball, it was real”(bleacherreport). Many fans felt the same way, as it was unreal to see such a horrific thing take place in something as simple as baseball. Makenna Collins (9), who was watching the game on tv, had said “[she] was in too much disbelief to register the shock of the situation, and [she is] glad to hear that Shoemaker is going to be alright.” As the season continues on, there are many prayers with Shoemaker in hopes that he has a safe recovery and will be back and ready by next season.