N.C. State baseball coach Elliott Avent is not sure about the availability of catcher Chris Schaeffer for this week's NCAA games in the Myrtle Beach Regional.
Schaeffer was knocked unconscious Sunday in the ACC title game against Florida State in Greensboro. Attempting to block the third-base line on a play at the plate, Schaeffer was hit by FSU baserunner James Ramsey in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Schaeffer was treated by medical personnel, placed on a stretcher and taken to Moses Cone Hospital. He was treated and released about 7:30 p.m. and returned to Raleigh Sunday night. Avent said Schaeffer suffered a Grade 3 concussion and that Schaeffer would undergo further tests this week.
"He was released in a quick period of time, which is reassuring," Avent said. "He came home last night. He will see our specialist ... in the next few days. ... I will feel better once I see what he thinks.
"We hope we have Chris Schaeffer with us this weekend. He's a special part of this program. But if they say he can't play, we'll have him one way or the other -- we'll have him in the dugout or his jersey hanging. He will be with us one way or the other."
Avent said when he arrived at Moses Cone Sunday night to check on Schaeffer, he learned ACC commissioner John Swofford already had dropped by to see the player. So had NCSU board of trustees member Steve Warren and Bobby Purcell, executive director of the Wolfpack Club, Avent said.
Schaeffer was a late arrival to the Wolfpack's baseball gathering today at Sammy's Tap & Grill to see the NCAA selection show. He received a big hand from his teammates, coaches and fans, and shook hands with each of his teammates before leaving.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
i am so
Mon, 05/31/2010 - 17:10 — sbas2relieved that Schaeffer was not seriously hurt. for thus of us at the game, it was a brutal collision and an uneasy feeling as we waited for Shaeffer to move.