Sports

Boy Who Suffered Heart Attack When Hit By Baseball Reunited With His Team

Matthew Henry, 8, was hit in his chest by a baseball during a youth baseball game, and suffered a heart attack. He was revived by local paramedics who were watching the game and was re-united with his team over the weekend.

By Bay City News Service

An 8-year-old baseball player who suffered a life-threatening disruption to his heart rhythm when he was struck in the chest with a baseball reunited with his team members on Saturday.

Matthew Henry was hit in a chest by a pitched ball during a game between two Cal Ripken Babe Ruth Baseball League teams on April 13. He walked a few steps toward first base before collapsing.

Petaluma Fire Department paramedic and Capt. Dan Farren and his wife Sue Farren, also a paramedic, performed CPR until Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety Officer Brandon Davidge delivered a single shock to the boy's heart with an automated external defibrillator.

Find out what's happening in Rohnert Park-Cotatiwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Henry regained consciousness and was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital before he was transferred to Oakland Children's Hospital and Research Center. He was released on Tuesday.

On Saturday, Henry was picked up at his home by the same fire crew in the same fire engine that took him to the hospital and brought him to the baseball field where he nearly lost his life, said Aaron Johnson, director of operations for the Cal Ripken Babe Ruth Baseball League and a sergeant with the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety.

Find out what's happening in Rohnert Park-Cotatiwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"That was a ton of closure," Johnson said.

Players from Henry's team, the Blue Jays, and their opposing team were lined up at the field, Johnson said.

Henry jumped from the fire truck and "high-fived" everyone one by one, Johnson said.

On Sunday, SOS CPR Training of Rohnert Park provided free CPR training to 70 of the league's coaches and managers at Benicia Park in Rohnert Park, Johnson said.

SOS CPR employee Laurie Carlson also donated a $1,500 automated external defibrillator to the league, Johnson said.

"Laurie told me that when she heard of the incident she immediately connected with the kids. She spent many years in this league and obviously her heart is still here," Johnson said.

Henry still "has the heart for baseball" but has to rest for four months before he gets back in the game, Johnson said.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here