A Richmond, Indiana community is rallying around two local student athletes after a fan contest between innings turned into a frightening scene during a summer league baseball game.
What Happened at Don McBride Stadium
The incident took place Saturday night at Don McBride Stadium during the season finale for the Richmond Flying Mummies, a first year member of the Northwoods League collegiate summer baseball circuit. The event doubled as a fundraising night for Richmond High School football.
According to witnesses, two Richmond High School student athletes were hurt while taking part in a promotional fan game held between innings.
A person who attended the game told FOX59 and CBS4 that the two young men were injured after running toward each other while wearing inflatable bubble suits, a contest the Mummies had used throughout the season.
One of the athletes came away with what the school described as critical injuries. Richmond High School’s football program and the Flying Mummies organization both released statements Sunday addressing the incident.
Community Response and Support Offered
Richmond head football coach Maurice Hibbler shared his reaction in a post on the team’s Facebook page. He wrote that thoughts and prayers were with the two athletes who were hurt during the between innings fan game, noting that one sustained critical injuries and that both players and their families were facing an incredibly difficult time.
Hibbler’s statement went on to thank the Richmond Fire Department, Reid Health EMS, and on site medical personnel for their response. The team also asked the public to respect the privacy of both families as they navigate the days ahead.
School officials confirmed that counseling services would be made available to students and players at Richmond High School on Monday, August 10. Administrators encouraged anyone who felt overwhelmed or simply needed someone to talk to to take advantage of the resources being offered.
No further details have been released about the current condition of either athlete or their identities, and officials have not said whether any changes will be made to future fan contests at Mummies games.
The Richmond Flying Mummies, playing their debut season in the Northwoods League, had drawn strong community turnout throughout the summer, with fan games between innings becoming a regular part of the gameday experience at Don McBride Stadium.
Community members have flooded social media with messages of support, many asking for continued prayers as both families await updates on the athletes’ recovery.
