DAD OF INJURED PLAYER THANKS CITY FOR SUPPORT

Cape Girardeau and the Southeast Missouri State University baseball team earned a new fan this week. Tom Hensel and his family wanted to say thank you for the care extended when his son underwent emergency brain surgery.

His son, Ron Hensel, is an 18-year-old freshman pitcher for Bradley University. On Saturday he was struck in the head by an errant baseball prior to a double-header against the Southeast Indians.

The teams were taking batting practice in Houck Field House because of wet conditions at Capaha Field.

While standing outside the batting cage, where a few of his teammates were taking batting practice, a batted ball found its way through an opening and hit Hensel just above the right eye.

He was taken to Southeast Missouri Hospital for emergency surgery. Four days later Hensel is doing well. He could be released from the hospital today or Friday.

"It's just remarkable how well he is doing," said Tom Hensel.

The Hensels were in Dallas, Texas, visiting relatives when they got the call that their son needed emergency surgery to save his life.

"Obviously a parent's worst nightmare: being hundreds of miles away," he said. "Your son is in an unfamiliar town, and he is dying. I told the doctor I was placing my son's life in his hands."

The Hensels, who live in Chicago, had never visited Cape Girardeau. "It's remarkable," he said. "Everyone has been so kind. I don't want to leave this town without saying thank you."

Hensel said everyone he and his family have met have been exceptionally kind. People at the hospital, including doctors, nurses, and those in the billing office, have been both professional and caring, he said. Coaches, doctors and trainers from both teams also did a good job caring for his son, Hensel said. "Even the people at the Drury Lodge have been wonderful," he said.

"The result of all the efforts is that Ron will recover," he said. "If all goes well, he will return to classes and baseball some day. Maybe we'll visit next year at this time for the Bradley vs. SEMO baseball games."

"Cape Girardeau, you are a special community that took us into your arms and gave us faith, strength and Ron back. We will be eternally thankful.

"God bless all of you," Tom Hensel said. "SEMO has new fans in my wife and myself."