Things went dark, and Kaleb Hall’s life was altered in an instant.

Monday, Jan. 12, began with an early morning baseball practice before school for the 17-year-old Layton High pitcher.

Hall had just finished a bullpen session and was doing stretching exercises with a teammate, who was holding a rubber workout band with a metal carabiner on the end, with no place to attach it.

“It’s like post-care after we throw to make sure we’re not getting injured,” Hall said. “I was pulling it above my head; the band slipped out of his hand and the carabiner hit me right in the eye. It knocked me out for about a minute.”

Photo by Laurie Coleman

Medical trainers and school officials swiftly tended to Hall.

“My eye was almost immediately filled with blood; they thought that was maybe why I couldn’t see. But it cleared up, and nothing changed,” Hall said.

He went to his family physician and then to some experts for treatment.

“Right off the bat, I had no light perception at all. My retina is not detached but there’s definitely damage to the optic nerve … not a specific injury. Things just aren’t working properly,” he explained. “There’s very low chance, I’d say no chance, that my vision comes back … It’s most likely I’ll be permanently blind in my right eye forever.”

That could have been the end of Hall’s high school baseball career, but he had other plans.

Photo supplied, Kaleb Hall

After two to three weeks, Hall started doing light workouts and began playing catch, then in late February, he pitched in a tournament in Mesquite, Nevada.

“I still wanted to play baseball because I love it. At first it was really hard, but I think muscle memory and instincts helped a lot,” Hall said. “I haven’t had much trouble catching or throwing. At this point, I think I’m back to where I was before.”

Layton coach Robert Ferneau and the coaching staff were anxious for Hall to return when he was ready.

“He really wanted me back; he didn’t want this to be the reason I had to give up the sport,” Hall said. “I wanted to get back as soon as I could. I had a lot of support; my family, my friends were there.”

Throughout it all, Hall’s amazing comeback from such a horrific injury is hard to fathom, and he sees a higher power that has helped sustain him on his difficult journey.

Photo by Laurie Coleman

“I had faith in God the whole time and knew it was part of his plan. I think this is something that has strengthened me and my faith in him. Going through this trial will only help me,” Hall said. “Immediately, I wondered if I’d ever be able to play again. I thought and prayed and knew I should return, and I’m glad I did.

“I didn’t let this injury mess with me or shake me up,” Hall said.

Hall, a senior, has pitched in five games this season, after playing third base and pitching last year. Ferneau has used him as a starter and also in relief.

“Honestly, it depends on the day; it depends on where the team needs me most,” Hall said. This year, I’ve kind of been obligated to pitch because of my situation.”

The right-hander uses a variety of pitches to baffle batters.

“I’ve got a pretty good curveball; it’s got good 12-6 action on it. I can always rely on my fastball and I’m a good strike thrower,” he said. “I’ve also got a changeup; I don’t throw it much, but it’s there if I need it.”

After high school, Hall plans to serve a church mission and do something in the medical field, particularly pediatrics.

For now, Hall has two more months of baseball and keeps a cheery outlook for someone recently blinded.

“This hasn’t affected me as much as it could have … I don’t know why I navigated it so well,” Hall said. “There wasn’t really a time where I was down on myself about it. I always had a good attitude; move on to the next thing.

“Thank you to everyone who supported me; they’re the reason I’m where I am today,” Hall said. “I couldn’t be here without them.”