ATLANTA -- Former Major Leaguer Keith Lockhart has expressed appreciation for the outpouring of prayers and support that have been directed toward his teenage son, who is attempting to recover from a life-threatening, freak accident that occurred during a June 17 game played in South Carolina.
Multiple reports have indicated Jason Lockhart, 15, was crossing home plate when he was struck in the face with the ball the opposing catcher was throwing back to the pitcher. He immediately received stitches and was diagnosed with a fractured nose. When the teenager's nose began excessively bleeding two days later, he was transported to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite Hospital. He underwent surgery, but doctors later found the fracture had cut an artery.
The Lockhart family remained strong when Jason was placed in a medically-induced coma Friday in an attempt to stop the excessive bleeding.
After his son underwent yet another surgical procedure on Sunday, Keith Lockhart tweeted an encouraging update that indicated doctors had stopped some of the bleeding.

Braves vice chairman John Schuerholz issued this statement Monday afternoon: "The entire Braves organization is offering our prayers for Jason and the entire Lockhart family, and we encourage all of our great fans throughout Braves Country to do the same."
Lockhart, who currently serves as a Cubs scout, played for the Braves from 1997-2002 and has maintained his family residence in the Atlanta area. The former second baseman also played for the Padres and Royals over the course of 10 big league seasons from 1994-2003.