Boy, 12, critically injured in freak accident during baseball game

A 12-year-old New Jersey boy was critically injured in a freak accident in which a baseball struck his neck as he warmed up for a game, according to his family.

Hundreds of friends gathered Thursday night to support Xavier Taylor, a player with Maple Shade Youth Baseball, who was clinging to life in the intensive care unit, ABC 7 reported.

“My son Xavier loves this game. He will play this game again,” his father, Greg Taylor, told the crowd at Fellowship Columbia Bank Field, where the boy was hurt.

The young player was hit Tuesday by an errant throw, collapsed on the field and was airlifted to Cooper Hospital.

Other outlets have reported he was struck in the back of the head or face.

Supporters at the event Thursday night wore shirts displaying Xavier’s number 6, lit candles and said prayers for the boy.

“Tonight, we are here to lift him up in prayer, strength and hope and love,” one speaker said, according to the station. “Baseball teaches us about teamwork, showing up for one another and never giving up, and tonight, that’s exactly what we’re doing for Xavier.”

Supporters have also organized a meal train for the family and raised more than $60,000 to help them.