‘He’s come such a long way’: Boy is playing baseball again months after suffering brain injury

WARRICK CO., Ind. (WFIE/Gray News) - An 11-year-old boy who suffered from a traumatic brain injury in April is back on his feet in a big way.

Ethan Hills’ family says they didn’t know if he’d ever walk again after a tree fell on his tent while he was camping, causing his injury. But five months after the accident, he’s defying the odds.

Ethan was at Bosse Field this weekend playing in the first annual Newburgh Buddy Ball Jamboree tournament.

The tournament and the Buddy Ball organization give individuals with physical or mental disabilities the chance to play in a baseball game.

“It’s just a beautiful thing to bring people together and rally around those that have special needs,” said David Ernspiger, president of Newburgh Buddy Ball, said. “I tell people all the time, I wear these sunglasses because I need to see but I’m moved to tears every single week at some point just by seeing the pure joy on their faces.”

This week, Ernspiger was moved to tears seeing a new face.

“Ethan is doing phenomenal,” said Ethan’s mom, Ashley Hills. “We didn’t know what to expect, but he’s come such a long way.”

And Ethan’s back to doing something he grew up doing -- playing baseball.

Although he still has a long road to go, Ethan will continue to improve his walking and build his muscles back every day.

His family says they’re proud of his progress.

“He’s surpassed all the goals they’ve set for him so far,” said Ashley.

Ethan can now cross-stepping on home plate off his list of goals too.

“It means so much just to see him have fun again, be active, see his friends, and just be the happy kid he’s always been,” Ashley said.

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