ECCC pitcher injured in scrimmage

By By Robbie Robertson / EMG sports writer
Jan. 30, 2004
DECATUR East Central Community College pitcher John Fortenberry always thought he had what it took to be a major leaguer.
At 6-foot-4, 227 pounds, he had the frame. Now the Carthage native hopes to live a normal life.
During an intra-squad scrimmage last Friday, Fortenberry was hit in the face by a line drive, crushing the right side of his face.
His parents, Dawn and Cookie, accompanied Fortenberry to Laird Hospital were the cuts on his face were stitched up. He was then transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson where he underwent a five-hour surgery.
Yarbrough said after the practice, most of the team loaded on a bus and went to Jackson to check on their fallen teammate.
Fortenberry's mother said her son is scheduled for another surgery on Thursday where doctors will attempt to reconstruct the right side of his face and the orbital area with titanium plating.
Yarbrough said Fortenberry was one of his top incoming freshmen. As a high school pitcher at Carthage, Fortenberry was a Mississippi Association of Coaches All-Star and participated in the State Games of Mississippi.
Fortenberry's mother said she doesn't know how she will go about it but hopes that the accident will prompt some discussion over using aluminum bats in college and perhaps some kind of protection for pitchers.