Sometimes it is hard to follow the baseball

As the World Series started tonight I am reminded of a tragic base ball story I read about that ends in hope, love and faith. Picture this – a family enjoying a baseball game outing. A father, mother and their beautiful 4 yr old boy at a minor league game in Niles, Ohio watching the Class A Mahoning Valley Scrappers game. They were given tickets sitting front row just behind first base. As they settled into their seats they noticed as they looked to home plate that they needed to squint; the sun was in their eyes. As observing as a dad may be, he commented on watching out for foul balls. As a couple innings went by the sun was setting and they let their guard down.


Chad, Nicole and 4 yr old Luke Holko were having a wonderful evening. Luke was hamming it up for pictures but was starting to get tired and had asked to go home. Minutes later the worst happened – a foul ball was hit. Of course plenty of people yelled “watch out” but before anyone knew it Luke was hit by the foul ball. His skull was fractured. He automatically went limp in his father’s lap.

Within minutes Luke was carried to the concourse and whisked away in an awaiting ambulance. Nicole being a medical assistant knew the situation was not good. She was made aware how grave it was when they were told he needed surgery immediately because the blow had knocked part of Luke’s skull toward his brain. Pressure was building and he was not stable.

So many questions? What if they were not in that seat? What if the batter took that pitch? What if there was some type of netting? Chad and Nicole do not place any blame. They are aware of foul balls at a ball game. They saw the warning signs. Chad even had mentioned that they should be aware. There about 40 foul balls per game. The average major league team sends about 3,000 foul balls into the stand each year.

The Holko’s do have insurance and their community has offer lots of help. No one knowing what their medical expenses will add up to. Luke’s condition has improved from critical to serious but stable. The doctors say he is in a “locked in” position with the ability of knowing what is going on with limited response. He now is moving his arms and legs and pushing yes/no buttons. He has even begun to swallow bits of Popsicle.

Chad and Nicole believe in hope, love and faith. They pray and focus on helping Luke heal. They hold on to the positives. They know that every little thing that Luke accomplishes is a blessing.

You can follow Luke’s progress at www.caringbridge.org/visit/lucasholko

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