This past weekend, Tyler Forney (known to most as Ty), a highly respected member of the Adelaide Baseball Club and the broader baseball community, suffered a serious injury in what can only be described as a freak accident.

Ty arrived in Adelaide from Arizona for the 2016/17 season, embracing the opportunities and adventures that come with playing baseball overseas. What began as a temporary journey soon became something much more. Adelaide became home, where he met his partner Zara and built a loving family with their two beautiful daughters and three stepchildren.

Now in his 11th season with the Adelaide Angels, Ty has represented our club in 313 games. Throughout that time, he has been a model teammate, competitor and ambassador for the game. Time and time again, Ty made the extraordinary look routine, showcasing an athleticism and natural ability that were truly special to watch. Ty is admired not only for his talent on the field, but for his character away from it. Humble, quiet and hardworking, he is as adored by the youngest members of our club as he is by adults. Ty has always led by example and embodied everything that is great about our game. He is the kind of person every club hopes to have, and every teammate feels privileged to play alongside. Ty is a player we are all in awe of and one who still had so much more to give on the field.

During last Saturday's match against Woodville, Ty was struck in the eye by a foul ball off his bat. Despite extensive surgery, he has tragically lost sight in that eye, bringing an end to an outstanding playing career and starting a long road to recovery.

The Adelaide Baseball Club has established a GoFundMe to support Ty during what will be a challenging road ahead. We are calling on members, supporters and the wider baseball community to rally around Ty and his family. Any support, no matter how big or small, will make a difference during his recovery and transition to life beyond baseball.

While Ty's playing career has come to an unexpected end, the impact he has made on the Adelaide Baseball Club and wider baseball community will endure for many years to come. Our thoughts are with Ty, Zara and their family at this difficult time.

Thank you for your generosity and for standing with Ty.