Oaks' Hester struck by foul ball
D-backs prospect expected to remain hospitalized overnight
Visalia Oaks designated hitter John Hester was struck on the head by a foul ball while seated in the dugout in the first inning of Wednesday night's 5-2 victory over the San Jose Giants.
Hester appeared to lose consciousness briefly after he was hit by a line drive off the bat of San Jose left fielder Ben Copeland.
The game was halted for several minutes while an ambulance was brought into Recreation Park. Hester was conscious and waved to the crowd before he was taken to a local hospital.
"He was fully aware of where he was and was making full movement," Oaks president Tom Seidler said, adding that Hester is expected to remain hospitalized overnight for precautionary reasons.
A 23-year-old catcher, Hester is hitting .284 with four home runs and 21 RBIs in 38 games. On Saturday, he homered twice and drove in a career-high six runs in the Oaks' 9-4 victory over the Lancaster JetHawks.
The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Hester in the 13th round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft out of Stanford University.
Jereme Milons filled in for Hester and went 4-for-4 with a double and three RBIs.
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.
Hester Update: The Oaks catcher was released last night from Kaweah Delta Hospital and has returned to the team. Full information on his condition has not been released, although he did suffer a fractured skull when the 100 mph line drive struck the side of his head.
Hester appeared to lose consciousness briefly after he was hit by a line drive off the bat of San Jose left fielder Ben Copeland.
The game was halted for several minutes while an ambulance was brought into Recreation Park. Hester was conscious and waved to the crowd before he was taken to a local hospital.
"He was fully aware of where he was and was making full movement," Oaks president Tom Seidler said, adding that Hester is expected to remain hospitalized overnight for precautionary reasons.
A 23-year-old catcher, Hester is hitting .284 with four home runs and 21 RBIs in 38 games. On Saturday, he homered twice and drove in a career-high six runs in the Oaks' 9-4 victory over the Lancaster JetHawks.
The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Hester in the 13th round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft out of Stanford University.
Jereme Milons filled in for Hester and went 4-for-4 with a double and three RBIs.
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.
Hester Update: The Oaks catcher was released last night from Kaweah Delta Hospital and has returned to the team. Full information on his condition has not been released, although he did suffer a fractured skull when the 100 mph line drive struck the side of his head.