A Houston area youth baseball coach suffered a scary accident on the mound Thursday and supporters are asking for prayers.
Ray DeLeon, the founder of Bandidos Baseball Club, was struck in the head by a foul ball and had to be airlifted to the hospital. The incident occurred at Premier Baseball of Texas located off Cypress Rose Hill Road in Tomball.
“A very scary situation at Premier,” a Facebook post read. “We may not always see eye to eye, but it’s nothing but love and respect for a true travel ball OG. Wishing Ray strength, a full recovery, and hoping for positive updates in the days ahead.”
In a statement, the DeLeon family expressed gratitude to first responders and more for their support and assistance.
“We would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support, prayers, and well wishes following a very scary accident last night,” the statement began. “During a baseball game, Ray was struck in the back of the head and suffered a severe concussion and significant head trauma. Due to the seriousness of the injury, he was airlifted for emergency care.”
The statement continued, “We are incredibly grateful to the EMS personnel, first responders, coaches, Premier/PG staff, medical professionals, and everyone who acted quickly and helped during such a frightening situation. Your immediate response and care made an enormous difference. At this time, Ray is resting, recovering, and spending time with his family. While we are hopeful for a full recovery.”
According to Perfect Game, DeLeon founded the Banditos Baseball Club in 1994. The Tomball-based organization has produced over 250 MLB draft picks and 29 players who made it to The Show, including former National League MVP Paul Goldschmidt, Yankees’ shortstop Anthony Volpe, Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet, former No. 2 overall pick Jameson Taillon and more.
“Continued prayers for Ray and the DeLeon family,” a statement from Premier Baseball of Texas read. “Praying for complete healing and peace. Your Premier Baseball family is with you during this time.”