Father says thanks publicly to Legends player to took ‘hit’ for 4-year-old

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The world loves a Good Samaritan story, and when you combine that with a popular sport like baseball, you have a tale that just begs to be told.

That’s what Dr. Corey Hatfield, whose 4-year-old daughter Claire was recently saved from serious injury during a Lexington Legends ball game, is counting on.

“My family was lucky enough to run across a true Good Samaritan while attending a recent Lexington Legends game at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, and I’d love to get some recognition for him,” Hatfield said.

The Samaritan’s act of kindness occurred on July 25 when Hatfield and his family, including his daughters 4-year-old Claire and 6-year-old Bailey, attended a Legends game with other Arthritis Center of Lexington (ACL) providers, staff members and their families.

During one of the final innings, Hatfield’s mother-in-law and two daughters headed toward a Whitaker Bank Ballpark exit.

The Legends had taken the field, and Legends Pitcher Ty’Relle Lee Harris was warming up in the bull pit.

As Hatfield’s family members passed him, Harris began a friendly conversation with the group.

They were still talking when a Lancaster Barnstormer player hit a foul ball that headed directly toward 4-year-old Claire.

“Without hesitation, Mr. Harris jumped in the path of the foul ball, and took the hit. If he hadn’t done so, my daughter would likely have suffered a serious head injury,” Hatfield said.

By the time Hatfield, who had been saying goodbye to his ACL coworkers, caught up with his family and heard of the incident, Harris had returned to the dugout to receive medical attention.

“Like a true Good Samaritan, Mr. Harris disappeared before I could thank him,” Hatfield said.  “He doesn’t know me, but his action saved my daughter from great harm.  That’s the kind of news the world needs more of, in my opinion.”