Paralyzed Shore MLB prospect leaves hospital to a 'clap out' farewell

Ryan Lasko, a minor league baseball prospect hailing from the Jersey Shore, emerged from a rehabilitation facility on Wednesday following a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed two months prior. The incident occurred on June 30 during a collision in the outfield while playing for the Double-A Midland team, where Lasko and a teammate collided while chasing a fly ball. The injury, resulting from a fracture of his C6-C7 vertebrae, left him paralyzed from the chest down and affected both of his arms.

Lasko, who had starred at Jackson Memorial High School and Rutgers University, was selected in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft by the Athletics. Despite his physical challenges, he remains optimistic, focusing on the present and reworking his brain to adapt to his new circumstances. In a statement, Lasko expressed that he has no control over the upcoming year and must now wait for the unknown future.

Lasko's college career at Rutgers was marked by exceptional achievements, including being named All-Big Ten First Team twice and setting individual and team records in home runs, total bases, runs, and overall performance. His time at Jackson Memorial also included leading the team to the championship game of the Last Dance World Series in 2020, being named Second Team All-Shore in 2019, and helping the Jaguars secure the 2018 South Group 4 sectional championship.

Upon his release from the rehabilitation facility, Lasko was met with a special celebration, a "clap out" from the Athletics and the community along his route. He will now begin outpatient therapy to continue his journey towards recovery. The Athletics expressed support, stating that they will be "with you every step of the way."