Injured Little League player battling an infection in his skull wound, family says

A Little League baseball player who fractured his skull while in Pennsylvania for the Little League World Series is fighting off a staph infection.

Easton Oliverson, 12, of Utah, is being treated at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he was transferred on Aug. 30 from Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville.

He fractured his skull four weeks ago on Monday, Aug. 15, when he fell out of a bunk bed in the player dorms at the Little League World Series 2022 in South Williamsport.

His family said on Friday, Sept. 9, on Facebook, that Easton had undergone surgery that doctors there said “went well” and they “are pleased with the results.”

A staph infection is caused staphylococcus bacteria germs that are common on the skin.

PennLive did not receive a response to an email sent to the hospital in Utah, however the medical team at Geisinger said it “has been in regular communication with staff at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City regarding Easton’s care.

For privacy reasons, we can’t discuss the care he’s receiving at Primary Children’s. Staph bacteria live normally on our skin, and sometimes can cause infection after injury and/or surgery. Antibiotics can treat staph infections, along with drainage procedures in some cases,” Dr. Jennifer Vodzak, Geisinger director of pediatric infectious disease, said in a statement emailed to PennLive.

The setback, the Oliverson family said, has been a challenge for Easton, whose nickname is Tank.

“The last 22 hours have been full of great challenges for Tank,” his family shared in a Facebook post. “The surgery went well, and the doctors are pleased with the results.

“They are hopeful that the antibiotic will now be able to do its job in fighting off the root of the staph infection.

“Following the surgery, they had a very difficult time managing Easton’s pain. It took about two hours before they were able to get him calm and comfortable. He woke up early this morning extremely upset and in great pain again. His nurses and doctors have been able to manage this, and we are hoping that it will stay this way so that he can rest and continue to recover today.

“Easton has endured so much in the last month - way more than any person (let alone a child) should have to endure. While he is feeling very discouraged - his parents are trying to stay positive, motivate, and pray with him as much as possible. We know that prayers can lift him from this heartbreaking challenge that he is experiencing right now.

“Please pray that his pain will be manageable, that the antibiotic will now be able to do it’s job, and Easton will feel comforted at this time.”

Easton underwent his first surgery at Geisinger on Aug. 15. Surgeons there then replaced his skull flap on Aug. 26. He participated in occupational, physical and speech therapy while in Danville. On Aug. 30 he was well enough to travel by medical air transport to his home state of Utah to continue his recovery.

The neurosurgeon that operated on Easton in Danville said at the time the boy’s prognosis is good.

Dr. Oded Goren said at the time, “We expect him to have a full recovery.”

Easton, he said, had come a long way from the day he arrived when “his life was a critical risk.”

Easton was at the Little League World Series with his team, the Snow Canyon All-Stars from Santa Clara, Utah, - the first team from Utah to make it to the tournament. Snow Canyon represented the Mountain Region. Easton’s younger brother, Brogan, 10, was the first alternate for the team and took Easton’s place. Their father, Jace, is a coach for the team.

Snow Canyon lost both of its games but received overwhelming support and messages of encouragement from fans, family, friends, MLB teams and players and college teams and players.

Easton has received messages of support from MLB players and teams including Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels, Mookie Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Matt Carpenter and the New York Yankees, the Brigham Young University football team and the Utah Jazz as well as Pa. Senator Bob Casey.

On Saturday, Sept. 10, Jace Oliverson posted on Facebook that he and the team attended the BYU-Baylor football game.

The Snow Canyon team was honored on the field at the game during the second quarter, according to kslsports.com.

“What a fun experience to go onto the field during the BYU vs Baylor football game with the team. It was heartbreaking though to experience another fun event without my Easton Oliverson.

So grateful for all the prayers on his behalf and all of those that continue to pray for him and our family. We all love you Easton! So much!”

The Facebook page established in Easton’s name to provide updates has almost 41,000 followers.

There have been numerous fundraisers to assist the family with expenses and a Venmo account was created @MiraclesForTank.

READ MORE ABOUT EASTON’S JOURNEY

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