There’s nothing sadder than the loss of a youngster’s life.
The tragedy that claimed the young life of Liberal’s Kaiser Carlile is drawing national attention.
Kaiser Carlile is the 9-year-old batboy who was inadvertently struck in the head by a Liberal Bee Jay on-deck batter Saturday at the The National Baseball Congress World Series in Wichita.
For a brief moment, Kaiser was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Life was sadly way too short for Kaiser.
Kaiser died Sunday, a day after he was hit by a follow-through swing near the on-deck circle. The NBC suspended using batboys and girls following Kaiser’s death.
Kaiser was known as a fun-loving youngster who enjoyed being around baseball. Kaiser was living out his dream at the NBC World Series along with the Bee Jays. Earl Watt of the Southwest Daily Times wrote that Kaiser was often recognized for his hustle by Bee Jay announcer Guy Rice.
The Bee Jay players respected Kaiser’s positive attitude and hustle to get his job done. Kaiser showed everyone to enjoy what you’re doing.
“I was blessed to have called him a friend, a teammate and most of all a brother,” said Nicholls State player Gavin Wehby, who picked up Kaiser after the accident.
Kaiser’s father, Chad Carlile, said his son loved baseball. Kaiser cherished a pair of shoes and a white bracelet the team had awarded him. His son’s organs were donated to others. Donations have raised more than $110,000 for unexpected funeral expenses.
There is no explanation for what happened. Sadly, fate intervenes when no one expects it.
“There is no anger towards what happened,” Chad Carlile said. “This is something that was obviously a tragedy. I want no bad comments. He was happy. He loved it and the team obviously loved him as well.”
Kaiser’s parents attended Liberal’s game Sunday and supported the team’s decision to continue playing in the NBC World Series.
Liberal coach Adam Anderson said his team has been comforted by world-wide support. The Bee Jays batter who hit Kaiser Carlile also needs support for an accident that wasn’t his fault. The player left Saturday’s game and also did not play Sunday.
“Nobody is going through this alone,” Anderson said. “We’re here to support each other and support Kaiser’s family. We’ll have to bear it together.”
NBC general manager Kevin Jenks said Kaiser will be honored through the NBC championship game Saturday.
Liberal’s team is wearing wristbands and T-shirts with Kaiser’s initials.
The only perfect ending would have the Bee Jays raising the championship trophy Saturday. They know Kaiser will be watching.

Jim Misunas