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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Youth bat boy dies from head injuries

Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Baseball Congress suspended using batboys and girls during its World Series games in Kansas following the death of a 9-year-old boy who was accidentally hit in the head with a bat during a game.

Kaiser Carlile died Sunday, a day after he was hit by a follow-through swing near the on-deck circle during the Liberal Bee Jays’ game in Wichita. The boy was wearing a helmet.

During an emotional news conference Monday, Kaiser was remembered as an energetic, happy boy who loved being part of the Bee Jays. Manager Adam Anderson and several players said he inspired them to always work hard, have fun and win.

“I can’t get over how hard he worked, and he was having fun doing it,” said outfielder Gavin Wehby, who plays for Nicholls State. “I was blessed to have called him a friend, a teammate and most of all a brother.”

The NBC’s general manager, Kevin Jenks, said Kaiser would be honored throughout the tournament until the championship game Saturday. The honors will include having the boy’s initials on the scoreboard marquee and fundraisers for his family during the games. The team also is wearing wristbands and T-shirts with Kaiser’s initials.