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SL1 Mississippi Braves

Ryan Cockrell and BJ Scarborough to hurl Thursday's first pitch

August 5, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


Greenville, SC: Ryan Cockrell, at 12 years of age and in the seventh grade, was injured March 16, 2002 while playing baseball with the Greenwood High School Junior Varsity team. While pitching, Ryan was struck by a batted ball that crushed the right side of his skull. After three brain surgeries and staying in critical condition for over a month, the injury left him with physical deficiencies. After a year of intense therapy, he's gaining strength and mobility.

Thursday night, August 7th, Ryan will be back on the mound, to throw out the first pitch at G-Braves Stadium prior to the team's 7:15pm game against Orlando.

"I took (G-Braves players) Bryce Terveen, Keoni Derenne and Bill Champion to Greenwood last summer to visit with Ryan and his family," said Brenda Yoder, G-Braves Director of Community Relations. "We couldn't believe how Ryan had improved after hearing about the accident and reports on his condition. He's a very determined teenager whose love for the game of baseball is mental therapy to one day be able to wear his glove and pitch again."

The Greenville Braves dedicated the last game of the 2002 season to Ryan, and this season, he will throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Thursday along with his new friend, Brandon (BJ) Scarborough, who ironically was the hitter who lined Cockrell's pitch back to the mound causing the near-fatal accident.

"I have a great admiration for Ryan and his family," said Scarborough. "The love and faith that this family has shown me through this accident is inspiring. The friendship that has developed from this will last a lifetime."

Scarborough, 16, is a Junior at Westside High. He's played varsity for 2 years, JV for 2 years and basketball for 1 year. He's kept his silence about the day of the accident until today. BJ, Ryan and their families have become very good friends. Cockrell played little league, AAU, and at Greenwood high school, as a pitcher, shortstop, 1st baseman, 2nd baseman and catcher.

The G-Braves have been an active member of the local community for 20 years, hosting special nights at the ballpark each season to benefit local charities and sponsoring several charity functions throughout the year. The G-Braves also offer many other successful children's programs including the Pride in Carolina's Youth Reading Program, the Huntington Learning Center Honor Roll Program, the Gatti-Town Braves Buddies Club and more.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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