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Minor Leaguers injured in car accident

One member of Visalia Oaks remains hospitalized
August 7, 2007
Seven members of the Visalia Oaks were involved in an accident when the car in which they were riding crashed on the way to a California amusement park.

The accident occurred Monday morning, the Arizona Republic reported Tuesday. Infielder Blake Sharpe sustained the most serious injuries, Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Josh Byrnes told the newspaper. The 23-year-old remains hospitalized with a fractured skull.

The Class A Advanced Oaks are the Diamondbacks' affiliate in the California League.

Brett Anderson, a 19-year-old left-hander, suffered a mild concussion and Cody Evans, a 23-year-old right-hander, was examined for a back injury, although neither player was hospitalized, according to the newspaper.

The other players involved in the crash were right-handers Hector Ambriz, catcher John Hester and outfielders Cyle Hankerd and Greg Thomson.

The Oaks' game against the Bakersfield Blaze, originally scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET, was postponed. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Aug. 26.

"It was an unfortunate accident," Blaze general manager Shawn Schoolcraft said. "Our thoughts go out to them. Postponing the game is the way we can help. We'll do anything we can to help."