Rick Ankiel goes headfirst in to outfield wall...

[TwinTownBisonFan]

More to come on this... but Ankiel went head first in to the left centerfield wall after making a catch and losing his footing... he collapsed in a heap and Ryan Ludwick, who picked up the ball from him, turned back and quickly motioned for the cart...

it was... sickening to see. he was moving his arms and legs somewhat but was barely responsive while they carted him off the field.

[BlueHen86]

I'm watching this game as well. Ankiel did give the thumbs up as they carted him off. Hopefully things looked worse than they really are and he will be back soon.

I also think the umps got the call right - Ankiel dropped the ball as he hit the wall but the umps ruled it a catch.

[TwinTownBisonFan]

SportsCenter reporting Ankiel is released from hospital and will be at the game tonight... no word on whether he'll be available to play (i'd be shocked)

[JMU DJ]

For those who haven't seen the video you can find it in the link here along with the story

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd ... p&c_id=mlb


Ankiel plays all out if you've watched him play at all, I'm not surprised at this as I'm not surprised when most Center Fielders get injured... Heck, I wasn't surprised when Aaron Rowand broke his face on the phillies outfield wall.

[TwinTownBisonFan]

i was always amazed that Torrii Hunter never completely broke himself in half in center (he did break an ankle once at fenway)

i've always pulled for Ankiel after the playoff meltdown as a pitcher and the amazing comeback as an outfielder... it's also a testament to the cardinals organization that they continued to believe in the kid.

[SuperHornet]

I take it you guys are saying that Mr. I Can't Pitch is not Willis Reed....

[clenz]

The telling story about how hard he hit the wall was the bill of his cap