MAPLE SHADE, NJ — A young boy who simply came to play the sport he loves is now fighting for his life, and an entire South Jersey community is refusing to let his family face this alone.
Xavier Taylor, 12, remains hospitalized in critical condition at Cooper Hospital after being struck in the head by a baseball during warm-ups on Tuesday, May 26, at Fellowship Columbia Bank Field — home of the Maple Shade Youth Baseball Association.
According to Maple Shade police, Xavier collapsed on the field immediately after being hit. He was airlifted to Cooper Hospital, where he has remained ever since.
The news shook the tight-knit Maple Shade community to its core.
By Thursday night, friends, teammates, neighbors, and family members had gathered at the same field where Xavier fell — this time filling it with candlelight, prayers, and handwritten messages of hope. Many attendees wore his jersey number, 6, as a show of solidarity.
Xavier’s father, Greg Taylor, stepped forward to address the crowd — a father carrying unimaginable weight, but holding onto hope.
“My son Xavier loves this team. He will play this game again,” he told supporters.
He also paused to thank everyone who showed up — in person and from a distance.
“Thank you for all of the support and everything you guys are doing for us,” Greg said.
The family has not shared further updates on Xavier’s condition. But the community has made one thing clear — they are not going anywhere.
If you know Xavier’s family and want to help, reach out to the Maple Shade Youth Baseball Association for more information.
