A Bridgeport youth baseball league kicked off its opening day Saturday with the help of a player who is recovering from a near-fatal injury.

Roberto Castrillo threw out the celebratory first pitch to mark the start of Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leader's baseball season. It was held at Roberto Clemente Field at Seaside Park.

In December, the 14-year-old suffered a traumatic brain injury while playing catch with his cousin. Castrillo was struck by the ball after slipping. He fractured his skull, leading to a subdural hematoma. The seventh-grader required 31 staples and tubes to relieve the pressure in his brain.

The honor student's grandmother says that he will not be able to play this season. Castrillo's usual position is left field.

Despite life throwing him a curveball, Castrillo says that he knows he will become a better player and cannot wait to get back into the dugout.

Castrillo says he is thankful for all the support receive from the Caribe Youth Leaders. This year, the organization's motto is "We are family."