Update on Extra Inning Softball’s Carlos Arias, Who Has A Message for the Softball Community: “I’ll Be Back!”

I’ve gone to multiple events this summer, the latest being last weekend’s Atlanta Legacy Invitational, and at each I’ve been touched by the many softball players, coaches and parents who’ve approached me with a two-word question:

“How’s Carlos?”

For those not familiar, Extra Inning Softball Editor Carlos Arias was hospitalized with a serious stroke on May 14—exactly two months ago this week.

Carlos, who oversees many of our content pieces including team rankings, The Last Inning columns and player spotlights through blogs and Extra Star Powers, didn’t look like he’d make it that first week but since then has slowly but surely made progress.

As I continue to receive much appreciated updates from his parents, Sue and Will, we’ve learned this week the following:

• Carlos had to pass three swallow tests and he successfully completed the third on Wednesday. What that means is he may be able to soon have the trach tube removed if his respiratory team is confident that he can tolerate the breathing.
• When the trach removed he will be able to begin eating again.
• Also on Wednesday, Carlos was helped to his feet and he stood for the first time since the stroke two months ago. As his mother says, “It’s not walking, but it’s a beginning!”
• On a lighter note, the normally closely shorn head of Carlos is now covered with a full head of dark hair… and he’s sporting a ‘stach!”
• Perhaps the most exciting news of all, though, is he had words for all of us who have been praying for his return.  Carlos, through his parents, said: “Thanks, softball nation… I’ll be back!”

If you’d like to support Carlos and his family with their extensive medical costs, please check out the GoFundMe has been set up… here’s the link to it:

Care for Carlos #LoveforLos

Thank you all again… as I told Sue today, one of the silver linings for me is learning the true depths of how deeply Carlos cared about the athletes and the sport and how it was reciprocated.

Everywhere I’d go, I’d hear stories from players and their parents on how Carlos, especially through social media, would encourage athletes and praise them for their hard work and accomplishments.

Great to see it’s being lovingly channeled back to him at this time of recovery and rehab.

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