Sad news I'm hoping you can help with ...

My predecessor, and BPV's longtime president Jim Smith, is in Green Bay, Wis., right now, as his grown son Jimmy is in the fight for his life. A bout with pancreatitis led to an infection that has affected his entire system, attacking his vital organs, forcing doctors to induce a coma and rush him into surgery.

Jimmy has been in the hospital since mid-July, and while prayers for a full recovery are appreciated, even a dollar of your hard-earned money would go a long way to offsetting the mounting medical costs. Any donation would be a great way to payback a local youth baseball icon for his many years of volunteer service helping ensure 600-plus children are playing the game each summer.

Smitty's friend and umpiring partner Matt Mooney sends us this note:

"Jimmy's employer started a gofundme site at this link to help with medical bills. When he recovers the doctors still believe he has a 4-6 week hospital stay in front of him. Smitty does not know that I have passed this on to you. He is a proud man, as you know. But, I felt I should knowing how long he was involved in youth baseball. perhaps you could pass it on."

The link to the gofundme website is http://www.gofundme.com/JamesSmith

Jimmy and Smitty's friends also are hosting a benefit fundraiser on Aug. 13, from 4-10 p.m. at Pints on Utica. Please consider dropping by to help with a great cause.