Nurse Saves Umpire’s Life on Baseball Field
It was meant to be a fun, relaxing day at the baseball diamond. But for Rudy Lopez, an umpire officiating a game at Downey High School in Los Angeles, it turned into a life-or-death situation. In the middle of the game, Lopez suddenly collapsed on the field after suffering a heart attack. As concerned parents and players looked on in shock, one person’s quick actions made all the difference.
Lakeysha Pack, a NICU nurse of 25 years at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, was at the game watching her son play when the frightening scene unfolded. Without hesitation, Pack sprinted onto the field and began administering CPR and other life-saving measures to the stricken umpire.
“All I could think is that I cannot let this man die in front of 40-plus young men and their parents,” Pack recalled.
Thanks to Pack’s quick thinking and medical training, she was able to keep Lopez stable until paramedics arrived a few minutes later. Lopez was rushed to the hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered a heart attack. He is expected to make a full recovery.
On May 31, 2024, Lopez and his lifesaver were reunited at Dodger Stadium, where Pack was celebrated as a Healthcare All-Star and given the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before the game.
“It’s a blessing to be here. Not only did she save my life, but she extended it,” Lopez remarked.
The incident is shedding light on the vital role nurses play, even when they are off the clock. Nursing is often described as a calling more than just a job, with a selfless commitment to helping others.
“I don’t like to be the center of attention. I like to do for others,” she said. “But I’m blessed to be here, coming from a family that loves baseball but, most importantly, loves the Dodgers,” Pack stated before throwing the first pitch.
