Thrown Bat Hits 6-Year-Old Girl In Head At First Cubs Game

CHICAGO, IL — Despite being hit in the head by a bat during her first trip to Wrigley Field last week, a 6-year-old Portland girl remains a committed Cubs fan, according to her father, Matt Hunnicutt. His daughter, Ella, was taken to hospital and diagnosed with a concussion after being hit by a bat accidentally thrown into the stands by a swinging Addison Russell in the 7th inning of a game against the Padres on June 21. In a Facebook post, Matt described the experience as his "worst heart-sinking nightmare come to life."

"She swears she still loves her Cubbies, though Addison Russell definitely owes her one for his poor grip," he wrote. Ella's parents Kelly and Matt, both Cubs fans, had traveled from Portland, Oregon to Chicago to show their daughter the Friendly Confines firsthand, the site of their first date. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Chicago — or your neighborhood. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

Ella was a bit disappointed to learn the Cubs lost after she left the game, according to her father. But the resilient youngster has a plan to turns things around.

"When I grow up I'll be on the Cubs and we will never lose," Matt quoted her as saying.

Now back home in Portland, Ella's family hopes to receive final assurances she can resume regular activities later this week. So far, no scans have shown any signs of skull fractures or internal bleeding.

Ella, who is heading into first grade in Portland in the fall, still wants to back to Wrigley Field, but next time she'd rather not be quite so close to the action, according to her dad.

"She said, ‘Yes, I do want to go back, I just want to sit really high up,’” he told WGN.

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