Blue Jays Newcomer Brett Bateman's Collegiate Heroics Surface
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Recently acquired by Toronto from the Chicago Cubs, Bateman once helped save a fellow student's life at the University of Minnesota.
Toronto Blue Jays player Brett Bateman is gaining attention for a life-saving act performed during his time in the amateur ranks, as BlogTO first reported. According to the outlet, Bateman was a student at the University of Minnesota in November 2020 when he encountered Maddie Johnson, a fellow student living three doors away from him, collapsed in a hallway.
Reporting from KARE 11 indicates that Johnson had experienced an irregular heartbeat and shortness of breath earlier that morning before collapsing into cardiac arrest. Bateman, who was in a study hall at the time, heard a thud and discovered Johnson on the floor. He instructed her to remain still while he contacted 9-1-1 and subsequently assisted paramedics in locating her. Johnson, who had to be revived twice, told KARE 11 in 2020 that Bateman's decision to step up for a stranger was "truly incredible."
Having joined the Blue Jays via a trade with the Chicago Cubs involving Kevin Gausman, Bateman has avoided taking full credit for the event. BlogTO reports that Bateman expressed shock over the accolades, stating it did not feel as though he had saved a life and noting that other students also played a significant role. On the field, Bateman recently recorded his first MLB hit against Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler.