Boy Dies After Baseball Accident in Wheaton

Updated at 5:06 p.m. Friday.

An Oswego boy has died from injuries suffered Wednesday while playing baseball for the Oswego Panthers U12 traveling team.

According to Krisitne Liptrot, District 308 director of communications, Eric Lederman was playing with the team in Wheaton when he was struck in the neck with a ball during warmups. He was a sixth-grader at .

The accident occurred at Atten Field in Wheaton, said Wheaton Deputy Fire Chief Bill Schultz. He confirmed paramedics were called to the scene at 6:12 p.m.

He was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Liptrot said, and later taken by helicopter to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, where he died. According to a spokeman with the Cook County Medical Examiner's office, Eric was pronounced dead at 8:04 p.m. Thursday.

"This is a tragedy that affects the entire District 308 family," Liptrot said. "Not only was he a student at Thompson, but many of his teammates were students at our other junior highs."

Eric was remembered by his coach Brian Zacker as someone who played the game with passion.

“He was an inspiration to his teammates, coaches, and baseball family,” he said. "He played with an infectious smile and played the game with tremendous passion and heart."

Eric also knew how to lighten the mood after a loss, Zacker said.

"He was also the comedian of the team," he said "Whether we lost 2-1 or 20-1, he would always say something in our post game huddle that would make us laugh. He brought a tremendous amount of joy, passion, and love to his team, coaches, and baseball family and we will never forget him."

District 308 Friday afternoon about Eric's death, saying he had "great character and a wonderful sense of humor."

Liptrot said counselors and social workers are available at Thompson to aid children and adults who may need it. 

Information on funeral services for Eric will be announced on the the Oswego Panther baseball website at oswegobsa.org.

The Oswego Baseball and Softball Association, in conjunction with Oswego Youth Tackle Football, has set up a memorial fund. Monetary donations can be made to the fund at Allied First Bank, 3201 Orchard Road, Oswego, IL 60543. Make donations payable to "Eric Lederman Memorial Fund."

Check Patch later for more details as they become available.