The danger of sitting close to the field in baseball has never been more prevalent than on a Thursday afternoon in Chicago.
On the back of your ticket to most sporting events (and especially in baseball), you'll find a disclaimer saying that the team is not responsible for injuries resulted from foul balls or any other equipment that happens to end up in the seats.
Well, just over a week ago, during a day game against the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly was at the plate. He hit a screaming foul ball that went into the third row near third base.
Sitting in that seat was Dominic DiAngi, a seven-year-old boy attending his first baseball game.
The ball careened off his head, and Dominic was immediately knocked unconscious.
Once he reached the hospital, the doctors decided to medically induce a coma in order to regulate his breathing.
Before knowing exactly what the prognosis would be, Lilly and Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee visited him on Saturday, two days after the incident. They took with them multiple pieces of Cubs memorabilia and souvenirs signed by Lilly and his teammates.
On Tuesday, Dominic left the hospital. He's smiling now. Doctors say he should have no lasting complications from the fractured skull and swelling of the brain.
All's well that ends well, right?
I have a serious problem with this story. I'm mad because the story isn't being told. Sports is so full of problems right now with the referee scandal in the NBA, steroids in MLB, EPO ruining the Tour de France.
Yes, this is a sad story, but it also shows the good in people and in sports.
Remember that foul ball? Another fan found that ball and got it to Dominic's father. During his stay in the hospital, he refused to let go of it. Lilly and Lee didn't have to visit him, but they did. No one told them to.
His father told us he "lives, eats and breathes baseball." Even though a baseball almost ended all three of those for Dominic, because of the visit and the foul ball and possibly even the care package sent by the Cubs, this kid will come back.
So the next time you complain about hearing a Brett Favre or Barry Bonds story, think about the tale of Dominic DiAngi.
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2 months ago
Nice story and congrats for bringing something outside the mainstream to our attention. And while the visit from the players was nice, I would hope the Cubs organization is going to do something for the kid. Do you know if they are planning anything like letting him throw out the first pitch or season tickets or something?
2 months ago
A fantastic, refreshing article. Excellent job!
2 months ago
Cool Story, good job, and just like you I'm sick of hearing about steroids, Bret Favre, and Olympic petitions. ESPN only tells about the drama and scandals in sports, only every no and then they have some heart felt story, or a Make-A-wish foundation dream come true.
The world needs more stories like this, but I think that the best part about this story is the fan returning the ball to the kid. Picture it, some kid next to you gets whacked with a ball, and is taken to an uknown hospital, and this stranger has the made the time and effort to track the kid down, and give him his beloved ball.
2 months ago
For a change some good news. This is such a great story with a great turn out. Dominic is so cute and sweet. God bless him and the DiAngi family and pray that Dominic continues to improve in all ways. ( :
2 months ago
Thanks for the comments guys, its good to see there are more than just blood-suckers out there and perhaps some bleeding hearts like myself.
Bob, to answer your question, I don't know if the Cubs are doing anything big or not. There would be no greater story than to have Dominic throw out the first pitch of the playoffs (just because there is no guarantee of the World Series, although both would be cool too). ESPN and company would HAVE to cover such a heart warming story.
from 2 months ago
TONY, DOMINICS DAD HERE. 1ST OFF, DOM. IS DOING WELL HERE AT HOME. HES TAKING IT EASY ( NO BASEBALL ECT 4 AWHILE). HES ON MEDS (ANTI-SEIZURE) AND STILL GETS HEADACHES OCCASIONALLY. BUT I JUST WANTED TO SAY, GREAT ARTICLE ON MY SON. OUT OF ALL THATS BEEN WRITTEN, YOURS RANKS UP THERE AS ONE OF OUR FAVORITES BECAUSE IT IS REALLY ( NOW THAT DOM.IS OUT OF DANGER) ALL ABOUT THE COMPASSION AND HUMANITY THAT HAS SHOWN UP AFTER THIS. FROM THE HARRIS BANK FUNDRAISING ( STARTED BY A COMPLETE STRANGER) TO VISITS IN THE HOSP. BY COMPLETE STRANGERS WHO WERE PRAYING 4HIM. I COULD WRITE FOR HOURS ABOUT ALL THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE WE HAVE MET DUE TO THIS. THERE HAS BEEN STRANGE TWISTS, AND UNUSUAL MEETINGS.
BTW....THE CUBS DUE WANT HIM BACK. THERE WAS TALK ABOUT HAVING HIM VISIT THE TEAM IN THE CLUBHOUSE ONE DAY SOON. DOM. WOULD LOVE THAT. HOPE IT HAPPENS.
THANKS AGAIN 4 THINKING AND WRITING ABOUT MY SON.
PETE DIANGI AND FAMILY
2 months ago
Tony, great story and I really enjoyed reading it. I haven't read a lot about it and you did a fantastic job reporting it.
from 2 months ago
Thanks a lot Sam, its a special story indeed.
2 months ago
People forget that there is still some good left in athletes. Give credit where it's due-to Lilly and Lee for showing some concern. Nice to hear that the kid is in good health as well.
2 months ago
Mr. DiAngi, thanks for taking the time to fill us in on the near future. I'd love for you to get a hold of me once Dominic is completely recovered and do a follow up piece. This story has affected me a bit more than others as I was hit on the head with a fly ball during a minor league game. Luckily it was a lazy ball but you could still see the stitches for weeks.
My thoughts and prayers are (and have been) with your son and family.
2 months ago
Great article Tony.
Thanks to all the wonderfull people that have been keeping my son Dominic in their hearts and Prayers. I know he felt every single one.
Pete
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