A baseballer at a local Australian club has lost sight in one of his eyes after a “freak accident”.
Tyler Forney, who moved to Australia from Arizona in the US more than 10 years ago, was hit in the eye by a foul ball that came off his own bat while playing for the Adelaide Angels in the South Australian Baseball League last weekend.
The club stalwart was rushed to hospital where he underwent surgery, but doctors could not recover the sight in his eye.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
Forney played over 300 games for the Angels across 11 years but has had his career brought to an end, the club confirmed.
“This past weekend, Tyler Forney … suffered a serious injury in what can only be described as a freak accident,” the Angels said in a statement.
“While Ty’s playing career has come to an unexpected end, the impact he has made on the Adelaide Baseball Club and wider baseball community will endure for many years to come.
“Our thoughts are with Ty, Zara and their family at this difficult time.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Forney’s long road to recovery.
“He has been a model teammate, competitor and ambassador for the game,” the GoFundMe page says of him.
“Time and time again, Ty made the extraordinary look routine, showcasing an athleticism and natural ability that were truly special to watch.
“Ty is admired not only for his talent on the field, but for his character away from it. Humble, quiet and hardworking, he is as adored by the youngest members of our club as he is by adults.
“Ty has always led by example and embodied everything that is great about our game. He is the kind of person every club hopes to have, and every teammate feels privileged to play alongside.
“Ty is a player we are all in awe of and one who still had so much more to give on the field.”
