Asmussen: Bates on road to recovery

“Netflix has been my friend. I’ve been watching every Cubs game I can,” said Nick Bates, Tuscola grad who just finished his freshman year at Kaskaskia College.

Yes, Nick Bates can talk. And smile. And laugh.

Not bad for a guy who faced a serious medical situation a little more than three weeks ago.

“He’s a remarkable story,” said Steve Bates, Nick’s dad.

“I feel pretty much back to my normal self,” Nick said.

In the third inning of a home game on May 7 against Vincennes University, Nick sprinted from right field for a short fly ball. While diving to make the catch, Nick’s face smacked into the knee of second baseman Julio Canales.

“It was the scariest thing I’ve ever seen,” Steve said. “I’m sure…