New Jersey
Philly skyline, sports complex lights up in blue for injured NJ baseball player
MAPLE SHADE, N.J. (WPVI) — The Philadelphia skyline and several landmarks were lit up in blue Monday night to support a 12-year-old boy from South Jersey who remains in critical condition after a baseball injury.
Buildings across the city – including sites in the sports complex and the Ben Franklin Bridge – glowed blue in honor of Xavier Taylor, who was struck in the neck by a baseball during pregame warmups with Maple Shade Youth Baseball last month.
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The show of support has spread far beyond Philadelphia.
Residents across the region and around the country have worn Xavier’s No. 6 jersey, placed baseball bats outside their homes, and lit blue porch lights to stand in solidarity with the young athlete.
The boy’s father says there are signs of progress. Xavier is no longer on blood pressure medication, his vital signs are stable, and he is receiving nutritional care.
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