Surprise delivery cheers up boy awaiting word on surgery

Aside from the fact his parents are worried sick, it's like Christmas at Griffin Cox's home.

At least as far as he's concerned.

Each mail delivery brings new surprises -- like gifts from White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.

"Every day he goes to the mail box to see what he's gotten," Griffin's mother, Jenny Cox, joked Thursday.

Guillen sent along a signed baseball and photo. The Sox organization also sent get well wishes for the 9-year-old boy.

Griffin was hit in the head by a line drive during June 4 batting practice while his little league team was visiting U.S. Cellular Field.

Four days after the injury, he was rushed to Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield vomiting and with a suddenly swollen head. He spent several days in intensive care with skull fractures and damage to the membrane between his brain and skull.

Prior to his sudden sickness, Griffin had few symptoms from the baseball accident. Now he's facing possible brain surgery.

The family expects to find out this morning from neurologists whether they believe Griffin's injuries will heal on their own or need surgical intervention.

Until then, the Glen Ellyn boy is savoring his mini-celebrity status, oblivious to the dangers of his condition.

Thursday afternoon he sat in his living room playing a competitive -- but seated -- computer game with a friend.

Athletic or vigorous activities are off the table for discussion, Cox said, despite her son's repeated child-like arguments.

In the meantime, Griffin is enjoying his new souvenirs, including a baseball hat signed by former Sox and Yankees player Moose Skowron and a autographed bat from Toby Hall.

Hall, a Sox backup catcher, carried Griffin into the dugout for a checkup by the team's trainer after the accident happened.