It what may be the last game at SUNY for this season (the NY Giants are in town and I guess they take priority) the Veterans were able to fend off the pesky Blue Thunder. Unfortunately for the Thunder, they will be without the services of their star shortstop John Hayden for the remainder of the season. John suffered a broken jaw in a collision with a Veterans runner going from second to third. His jaw will be plated and screwed on the inside and wired on the outside for several weeks. Just as his brother said to me in an email, "we are all very saddened by this because John just loves baseball and although the injury itself will be hard to deal with, his time on the DL will be worse. I’ll try to get him to the remaining games just to keep him involved. You have to know John but believe me, he’s one of these types that you could hit over the head a dozen times and he would just keep going. So it will be hard for him to sit the bench". Our thoughts and prayers go out to John and his family as we hope for a full and complete recovery.
John... get well! You will be missed as much as I know you will miss playing (and I know that is a lot!) You will be in our prayers regarding your surgery. Let us know if there is anything you need.
Speaking for myself and also the Veteran's we hope your recovery is speedy and complete. I'm so bummed by this, I wish we could recover that split second and move in different paths. You play hard and fierce and I appreciate that style, and look forward to competing once again with you next year. Anything I can do to help in your recovery just ask.
John, I know from personal experience how it feels to have your jaw broken on the field. Look at it this way, milkshakes for the next 2 months! Sorry to hear about the injury, I know how passionate you are about the game. I'll drop over for a visit (and I'll bring a box of straws). Pete Z.
John , I recently heard of your collsion and the horrible result and wish you a speedy and complete recovery. I know there's been some complication while you were recovering in the hospital and hope that resolves soon as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. if you need anything please let Bob Lounsbury know and we'll ( your friends in this league) help out. and Don, while I regret the outcome no one blames you for this. We play a game where certain things are unpredictable and seemingly unavoidable. You hustled and so did John. I'm glad in the respect that two guys didn't have to go to the hospital that evening. Lets get John through this and help out in anyway we can.
