KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – A 7-year-old is recovering from a brain injury after foul ball struck him during a Missouri Southern State University baseball game.

The Joplin Globe reports that Dawson Hirshey of Diamond was struck in the head by a line-drive foul ball April 13. The impact caused a subdural hematoma, several mini-strokes and fractures to his right orbital bone. Doctors at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City removed part of Dawson’s skull to relieve pressure from his injury.

Dawson is undergoing intensive physical therapy to walk again. He also needs a skull-portion replacement, though no date has been set.

Dawson’s mother, Alicia Hughes-Hirshey, says Dawson is slowly rehabilitating and eager to return home. She says Dawson is starting to crack jokes again.

It’s unclear when Dawson will be released from the hospital.