Wichita State Raises Thousands For Kaiser Carlile Family

This August will mark the one year anniversary of the death of Kaiser Carlile, the young bat boy killed when he was accidentally hit in the head during a baseball game.

Tuesday, Wichita State baseball played in his honor with a fundraiser to help his family.

The young bat boy spent his final hours helping out with the game he loved, cheering on his Liberal Bee Jays.

Tuesday night’s game against KU had a deeper meaning that goes beyond just playing the game of baseball, WSU head coach, Todd Butler said it was about coming together as a baseball family to keep a special boy’s memory alive.

“It was a devastating day. The entire country and baseball, coaches, players were really touched that day,” Butler explained.

All of WSU’s players and coaches wore special edition yellow jerseys with “KC” printed on the top left shoulder, and “KC” printed hats, in honor of the beloved Bee Jay bat boy.

WSU fans had the opportunity to bid on each jersey, starting at $80 dollars with all the money going to help the Carlile family through the difficult time.

“I was talking with my son on a couple of occasions about what happened and it sounds like a wonderful family that desperately needs some help, and so I think the fundraiser is a grand idea,” said Steve Hayes. R-Sr. Pitcher, John Hayes, father.

Several Shocker parents said they were willing to pay more to help a good cause.

“Being a baseball family, a baseball mom, my younger son was a bat boy. I can’t imagine what that family is going through. So, anything we can do to help, we want to help,” stated Sarah Vickers, So. Infielder, Trey Vickers, mother.

Officials with the Wichita State Athletic Department said that 22 special edition jerseys were auctioned off and over $2,000 were raised for the Carlile family.

After nine long innings, the Shockers were able to grab the win from the Jayhawks, with a final score of 7-6.