The Obit For Brandon Patch

American Legion player dies after being struck in face with baseball

.c The Associated Press

HELENA, Mont. (AP) - An American Legion baseball player died Saturday after being struck in the head by a batted baseball the night before.

Brandon Patch, an 18-year-old pitcher for the Miles City Mavericks, was hit in the fifth inning Friday night. He was motionless on the ground for 20 to 30 minutes before being taken to a hospital. Later in the evening he was flown to Great Falls and put on life support.

A spokeswoman for Benefis Healthcare in Great Falls said Patch died early Saturday.

The game was completed, but a game scheduled for Saturday between the teams was canceled.

07/26/03 19:21 EDT