Chris Bassitt hit in head by 100 mph comebacker vs. White Sox
Baseball became secondary on Tuesday night at Guaranteed Rate Field.
In the second inning of the A’s-White Sox game, Oakland right-hander Chris Bassitt got hit in the head by a 100 mph comebacker off the bat of Brian Goodwin.
I really hope Chris Bassitt is OK this looks terrifying 🙏 pic.twitter.com/G5gpnoMtsA
— The Rickey Henderson of Blogs (@RickeyBlog) August 18, 2021
A scary scene soon unfolded, as A’s catcher Sean Murphy immediately ran out to Bassitt and waved for some medical help from trainers. Bassitt clutched the area around his right eye before blood appeared on his hands and soaked on some towels. The A’s, White Sox and fans alike looked on with grave concern before Bassitt was taken out on a golf cart.
Chris Bassitt eventually left the field on a golf cart after getting hit in the head by a comebacker pic.twitter.com/n5NNIx7Pzn
— The Rickey Henderson of Blogs (@RickeyBlog) August 18, 2021
Shortly after Bassitt exited the stadium, the team issued an update.
Chris Bassitt is conscious and aware, and is on his way to the hospital. We will provide additional information when possible.
— AthleticsPR (@AthleticsPR) August 18, 2021
This was one of the scarier moments I remember watching in an A’s game. I couldn’t help but think about the comebacker that drilled former A’s pitcher Brandon McCarthy in the head in September 2005.
I hope Bassitt is OK and doesn’t have any long-term effects from this terrifying injury. It was encouraging to see him moving up to the cart with assistance but anytime there’s a head injury it’s a different level of concern. Bassitt is a leader of this pitching staff and the entire team after finally finding his footing last season. He’s a key part to the 2021’s team identity.
Bassitt is beloved by his teammates and fans for his honesty and no B.S. attitude while becoming the staff ace and low-key Cy Young contender this year. C-Bass made his first All-Star Team this season and leads the American League with 151 innings pitched, is tied for second in ERA (3.04), ranks second in WHIP (1.05) and sixth in strikeouts (154).
I would be very, very surprised if Bassitt returned to the mound this season, but that doesn’t even matter right now. I just hope Bassitt is OK and can live a normal life after that scary moment in Chicago.
