The Latest on Extra Inning Softball’s Carlos Arias’ Recovery: Good News Continues As He Says First Words, Getting Better Daily!

On behalf of all our staff at Extra Inning Softball, I want to thank all of you who continue to ask about the health of our Editor Carlos Arias, who continues to recover after a serious stroke last month.

I continue to get well-wishes via texts, phone calls and emails from the softball community–really, we’re a family!–and I wanted to share the latest news–and it’s very good.

For those who aren’t aware, Carlos—who does so much for Extra Innings including team rankings, The Last Inning columns and player spotlights through blogs and Extra Star Powers—had a major stroke on Friday, May 14, 2021 and twice we thought we had lost him. As his mother, Sue, kept me updated, Carlos was just hours away from being taken off life support.

It’s been a tough month, for sure, but there is light at the end of the tunnel… here’s the latest:

• On Friday, Carlos said his first words since being hospitalized in Fresno. His mother texted me the following yesterday:
  • “Carlos spoke his 1st word today. Using the tab that is held down on the trache it allows him to say something. His first word was “hi” and then the nurse asked him water or ice ? He answered “ice.” Seems like a lot of talking to us!”
• Sue also wrote:
  • “Yesterday (Thursday) he was off the vent(ilator) almost all day. If that holds that could be one of the indicators to get him off the vent and on to speech therapy.”
• Also on Thursday, Carlos was being weened off the oxygen to get him acclimated to breathing on his own. Sue wrote
  • “He was off from 8 am till we left the hospital at 6 pm. The nurse said this is really good and the next step to testing his ability to communicate. He sounds very raspy and coughs a lot but the nurse said Carlos has a strong cough which helps in getting rid of the mucous. Baby steps but in the right direction.”

OK, while he’s still somewhat incapacitated, I thought I’d drop in this ADORABLE photo of a young Carlos his mom sent me; that’s him on the right with his big sister on the left! Loving the Beatles haircut! lol

On a serious note, a GoFundMe has been set up for Carlos… here’s the link to it:

Care for Carlos #LoveforLos

Finally, I can’t thank you–the softball world–for your unbelievable compassion and care for Carlos. It brings a tear to my eye as I recount the wonderful sentiments you’ve sent such as this one that came in during week:

Hi Brentt and Extra Innings staff:

Just wanted you to know we are continually praying for Carlos. We are reminded so much lately how life is so fragile and every day is a gift. Continually praying for the best for Carlos.

The Crosby Family

And a huge thank you for the amazing service being performed this week in Atlanta by Steven Locke of Atlanta Premier, Dana Fusetti of Carolina Elite SC and so many others.

At their tournament this weekend, they are raising money and donations to aid Carlos and his family’s medical bills and they sent the image below to all their teams attending to help the cause… thank you to all!

— Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball
Email: [email protected]