A JOURNEY TO FIND SUCCESS FOR NICK FORST

On a cold March evening in 2004, life changed for current Ardrey Kell High School baseball pitcher Nick Forst.  The now 16 year old son of Mike and Lisa Forst was enjoying a baseball practice just weeks before opening day when he was struck in the left temple by a hit baseball.   Nick’s coach had just called him in from the field for batting practice.  As he was running behind third base, the third baseman missed a line shot which proceeded to hit Nick.

His father Mike describes the next few moments.

“I was standing with the other fathers talking and someone said "I think Nick got hit".  I watched him run into the dugout followed by the coach.  There didn't seem to be an issue until they brought him back under the lights to look into his eyes.  Still nothing was apparent so I decided to take him home at everyone's suggestion.  On the way home, he was crying and I got  very concerned and said "you've got to tell me what's wrong."   Then Nick reached into the glove compartment and grabbed a note pad and handed me a note that said "What if I can't talk?"  I realized then that Nick could not speak and I raced him to the Emergency Room immediately." 

“They took X-Rays and told us the bad news.  He had bleeding on the brain and a 4" skull fracture.  He was immediately transported to CMC Trauma Center where a neurosurgeon was waiting.  The doctor said he would try to do everything possible to save his life, but he did not know if he could.”

Scary moments for the Forst family for sure.  Dr. Michael Hefner performed brain surgery while Mike and Lisa prayed in the waiting room with friends that had already met them at the hospital.  The doctor finally came out and shared the good news that Nick had made it.

“It was the longest and most terrifying night of our lives.”

The ball had hit Nick on the side of the brain that controls the speech and long term memory.  Nick basically had to learn how to speak all over again.  His parents and younger sister Austin knew everything would be ok when Nick’s first words were, “Can I still play baseball?”

“We were in shock, because the doctor had warned us he may never want to see a baseball again," Lisa said.  "He said that with a traumatic brain injury that sometimes the trauma is too bad to face the situation again.  Also, at that time he had been playing football for MARA and was the quarterback.  He did eventually have to give that up because of the risk.  The next morning after surgery, Mike England, then President of MARA, was waiting to see Nick and reassured us that everything would be taken care of.  Mike and the entire MARA family were so supportive with food, phone calls and prayers.  The love, caring and support we received from our friends, family and the entire community was amazing.  We will always be sincerely thankful for the generosity of so many."”

Nick was chosen to throw the first pitch for Opening Day Ceremonies at MARA that spring. An honor traditionally held for the Mayor of Matthews. While Nick could not play on opening day, he did return 8 weeks later as the starting pitcher in front of a roaring crowd.  All Stars followed and Nick has never even thought about looking back.

“I remember the coach calling me in and then hearing the crack of the bat.  Next thing I knew I was awake and alive in the hospital,” said Nick. “I don’t feel I have any long term effects from the injury.  I still and always will play baseball with no hesitation.”

Nick certainly isn’t hesitant these days for Coach Hal Bagwell and The Ardrey Kell Knights.  Coach Bagwell has called on Nick to pitch numerous times this season.  Just before spring break, Nick captured his first varsity win in a strong outing versus West Mecklenburg.

“Playing for Ardrey Kell is very exciting.  This is what I have always hoped for.  We are one of the top teams in the state and I am extremely proud to be a part of this program.  I have learned a tremendous amount from Coach Bagwell.”

Looking at Nick Forst on the pitcher’s mound now, it is extremely hard to understand that he was so close to losing his life that cold March evening.  He has worked hard to overcome the setback and has become a key member of one of the top baseball teams in North Carolina.   Nick lives, sleeps, eats and breaths the game of baseball now.  The South Charlotte Sports Report salutes Nick Forst for showing incredible courage and determination to rebound from such a near tragic event.   Good luck in the future Nick!