I took this photo of Ratliff back last June in Binghamton.

Thanks to @AdamRubinESPN and @A_AmberC for the tip on this one.

Ratliff was hit in the on-deck circle by a foul ball. Although he’s okay and is in stable condition, he needed fifteen stitches in his face and will require reconstructive surgery to fix six broken bones in his face. The team is unsure if he’ll need a plate inserted or not.

Ratliff’s vision is fine and his pain is under control – he’ll live. But we’re definitely wishing him a speedy recovery here. According to @A_AmberC on Twitter, “Ratliff is indeed in really good spirits considering how much pain he’s in.” That’s really encouraging to hear.

Amongst his other accomplishments, Ratliff helped to lead the Cardinal to the College World Series semifinals in 2008.