Dodger catcher Russell Martin said he knew something was wrong after his line drive sailed into the stands during batting practice Monday at Dodger Stadium.
"I saw a little head poking out above the seats," Martin said. "It hit her square right in the head and made a horrible sound. I knew something bad had happened."
The ball struck a 3-year-old girl in the head, fracturing her skull. Doctors treated 3-year-old Janelle Birseno on Tuesday at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, and the child's family told NBCLA the girl was going to make a full recovery.
"Whenever she's feeling better, I'd like to talk to her, give her a hug, and tell her, 'I'm sorry,'" Martin said.
Family members said she will probably go home in the next few days.
According to MLB.com:
Martin was visibly shaken by the incident and watched as the girl's father rushed her to a first aid station, the Los Angeles Times reported. She was taken by ambulance from Dodger Stadium to the hospital.
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Martin has offered to pay all the girl's medical expenses, the MLB reported.
Tuesday afternoon the family told NBCLA they won tickets to the Monday game and that was why they were so close to the field. The family also said they have been told by a hospital doctor that Janelle should be able to go home Wednesday.
