Former Stepinac pitcher seriously hurt in fire

July

If you know Pat Massaroni (left) at least a little, and I do, you know, at minimum, these three things about him: 1. He loves baseball; 2. He loves local sports (Stepinac in particular); and 3. He doesn’t have a bad bone in his body.

Unfortunately, his life took a terrible turn yesterday. I received an e-mail this morning from Stepinac AD Mike O’Donnell. Reportedly, Massaroni, a 21-year-old former Stepinac pitcher, was one of nine people caught in a house fire Sunday morning on the Jersey Shore and was severely hurt.

Reports said he was the most severely injured of all the victims. He reportedly suffered severe burns and was airlifted to the burn center in Livingston, N.J. from the house in Toms River where he spent the night. He and other had been there for a 21st birthday party.

Massaroni was listed in critical condition on Sunday. You can read more about this terrible story here, here and here.

I know many of you out there know Pat, so I wanted to pass along the news. I hope everyone keeps Pat in their thoughts. Here’s hoping for his speedy recovery.

This entry was posted on Monday, July 20th, 2009 at 3:28 pm by Josh Thomson. Print | Email

7 Responses to “Former Stepinac pitcher seriously hurt in fire”

Section 1 July 20th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Best of wishes Pat a speedy recovery.
hope July 21st, 2009 at 2:49 am
Never knew him however he is in my prayers….seems like a great guy..truly hope he gets better.
No surprise July 22nd, 2009 at 9:56 am
Funny how this blog only has two comments despite the seriousness of its content. Bloggers are very quick to spew their opinions and disparage kids but only two people can wish this poor kid well. If the blog was about a particular kid’s ability or a team’s ranking, the comments would be endless The subject is about a tragedy and now everyone is quiet. Thoughts and prayers for Pat and his family. Sad story. .
Josh Herzenberg July 22nd, 2009 at 10:28 am
I’ve known Pat since I was 12 years old and he has always been a model citizen and a great guy. I grew up in White Plains umpiring Little League games with him and playing against him through local leagues and into high school. My entire family wished Pat the best and hopes he has a speedy and healthy recovery. When I first heard of the news it was very shocking, but it comes as no surprise to me that Pat would do something heroic like going into a burning house to save people.

Josh, thanks for putting this update up, as we are a ways away from Livingston, NJ and have been somewhat relying on heresay throughout White Plains on this matter.
Coach OD July 22nd, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I knew Patrick for many years before he came to Stepinac & he has always been a kind hard working young man. His senior year at Stepinac he got hurt & was unable to play football any longer. He asked if he could help the team in some way. We created a position on our staff for him. A grad Asst . Pat did everything from coach a position to stats ,to you name it.You could count on him. You always knew Pat would someday grow up to be a manager or an AD or work for a professional sport organization. Pat took it upon himself to be the Mayor of Stepinac back then. It would not surprise anyone if you walked by the presidents office & Pat would be sitting in MSGR’s desk.

When we heard the news on Monday everyone thought the worst. Because it happened in NJ & the newspapers said he was in critical condition the rumors were spreading about incident.
FYI:
Pat is resting at hospital. Hopefully his lungs will clear enough for them to take him off the respirator & to breathe on his own[ hopefully as early as tomorrow.]
Pat is eager to get out of hospital & to get home to his family & friends. Kieth Hernandez even mentioned Pat on Met telecast last night[ Pat is working for NY Mets this summer}.
Not many people know that Pat went back into House 3 separate times because a few of his friends were missing. Everyone got out of house safely due to Pat’s Heroics.
I spoke with Pat’s father last night & he assured all of us he would be fine. I know the family wants to thank everyone for their prayers & concerns over this event. Hopefully Pat will be back to normal soon & behind the plate at some little league game or on the bench of a NCCA basketball game in a few weeks.Please keep him & his family in your prayers for a quick recovery.
Thank you for your prayers
Coach O'D July 22nd, 2009 at 2:08 pm
FYI- Just got word that Pat has had breathing tubes removed & is breathing on his own & doing much better & talking.
Hopefully he will released from hospital over weekend.
Clippers July 22nd, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Good luck to this brave young man !!

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