Photo posted on Andrew McCutchen's Facebook page of Blaise Fischer hanging out with his favorite player in the Pirates locker room.
advertisement
Blaise Fischer's dream became reality after spending time with his favorite team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, as their special guest.
The 9-year-old from Ambridge, who suffers from a rare heart condition, went to Bradenton through the Pirates organization's partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Blaise's special trip began with a night at Pirate City, according to the Bradenton Herald,which reported that boy and his family had dinner at the facility. Blaise spent the evening playing pool and hanging out with Pirates minor-league outfielder Jeff Roy.
On Tuesday afternoon, Blaise went to McKechnie Field to watch the Pirates play the Baltimore Orioles. He was surprised after breakfast at Pirate City, with a phone call from McCutchen, his favorite player, telling him he was getting called up to the big leagues.
Blaise's mother, Cathy Fischer, said the experience has been unbelievable.
"We have witnessed such love and compassion by Andrew McCutcheon and the rest of the Pirate players over these last few days," she said on her Facebook page, adding that she and her husband, Bill, are filled with many emotions.
At McKechnie on Tuesday, Blaise was given a signed bat and a VIP tour. He also accompanied the team onto the field for pregame warm ups. During batting practice, he sat just feet away from the cage and chatted with All-Stars like McCutchen and Josh Harrison. Neil Walker, another of Blaise's idols, gave him his custom wristband.
Blaise threw out the first pitch and experience a chance to watch his favorite team in action.
McCutchen told the Bradenton Herald he enjoys the opportunity to let his fans learn a bit more about him.
"He didn't ask for what he's going through and for him to come out and spend a day with me is great," McCutchen said. "It's awesome, and I just enjoy being able to spend some time with him and him getting to know me more than just what he knows on TV."
Cathy Fischer said her son has had to endure such pain and suffering in his short life. She thanked Make-A-Wish and the Pirates organization, players and staff for making her son's dream come true.
"You are truly a class act--each and every one of you."
The 9-year-old from Ambridge, who suffers from a rare heart condition, went to Bradenton through the Pirates organization's partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Blaise's special trip began with a night at Pirate City, according to the Bradenton Herald,which reported that boy and his family had dinner at the facility. Blaise spent the evening playing pool and hanging out with Pirates minor-league outfielder Jeff Roy.
On Tuesday afternoon, Blaise went to McKechnie Field to watch the Pirates play the Baltimore Orioles. He was surprised after breakfast at Pirate City, with a phone call from McCutchen, his favorite player, telling him he was getting called up to the big leagues.
Blaise's mother, Cathy Fischer, said the experience has been unbelievable.
"We have witnessed such love and compassion by Andrew McCutcheon and the rest of the Pirate players over these last few days," she said on her Facebook page, adding that she and her husband, Bill, are filled with many emotions.
At McKechnie on Tuesday, Blaise was given a signed bat and a VIP tour. He also accompanied the team onto the field for pregame warm ups. During batting practice, he sat just feet away from the cage and chatted with All-Stars like McCutchen and Josh Harrison. Neil Walker, another of Blaise's idols, gave him his custom wristband.
Blaise threw out the first pitch and experience a chance to watch his favorite team in action.
McCutchen told the Bradenton Herald he enjoys the opportunity to let his fans learn a bit more about him.
"He didn't ask for what he's going through and for him to come out and spend a day with me is great," McCutchen said. "It's awesome, and I just enjoy being able to spend some time with him and him getting to know me more than just what he knows on TV."
Cathy Fischer said her son has had to endure such pain and suffering in his short life. She thanked Make-A-Wish and the Pirates organization, players and staff for making her son's dream come true.
"You are truly a class act--each and every one of you."
Fischer surrounded by gifts. photo by Kathy Fischer
Message from Cathy Fischer:
This picture says it all. As I sit here tonight while my son sleeps amongst all of the gifts the Pirates showered him with, I had to truly contain myself before I could even attempt at posting about the last few days spent with the Pirates. We have witnessed such love and compassion by Andrew McCutcheon and the rest of the Pirate players over these last few days. Bill and I are just filled with so many emotions. We were both overcome several times with tears as we tried to express our gratitude to these men.
Our son has had to endure such pain and suffering in his short life. We have witnessed things no parent should ever have to see their child endure. He has overcome so many obstacles thus far. We do not know what the future holds for our son, but we pray the Lord will continue to bless him with good health.
Cutch, no words will do justice for what you did for Blaise today. He was enamored by your every word and movement. He said you were his hero and you certainly proved above and beyond you are deserving of it today. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving our son your undivided attention. We will never forget what the definition of a hero is in Blaise's eyes and ours as well--it's you.
Thank you to Make-A-Wish, Clint Hurdle, Neil Walker, another of his idols (gave him his custom wristband and stood and chatted with us and our daughter for a long time, Starling Marte, Pedro Alvarez, Josh Harrison (gave him his custom wristband) and the rest of the Pirate players and staff for simply making a little boy's dream a reality. You are truly a class act--each and every one of you.
We can't forget Marty our photographer and Phil our videographer for being our buddies and preserving these great memories for Blaise. Also, Jeff Roy from the Pirates minor league for breaking the ice for Blaise and befriending him and being his ping pong, pool, and game buddy at Pirates City.
Let's Go Bucs!! Love and blessings to each and every one of you!!
— at Courtyard by Marriott Bradenton Sarasota Florida.
This picture says it all. As I sit here tonight while my son sleeps amongst all of the gifts the Pirates showered him with, I had to truly contain myself before I could even attempt at posting about the last few days spent with the Pirates. We have witnessed such love and compassion by Andrew McCutcheon and the rest of the Pirate players over these last few days. Bill and I are just filled with so many emotions. We were both overcome several times with tears as we tried to express our gratitude to these men.
Our son has had to endure such pain and suffering in his short life. We have witnessed things no parent should ever have to see their child endure. He has overcome so many obstacles thus far. We do not know what the future holds for our son, but we pray the Lord will continue to bless him with good health.
Cutch, no words will do justice for what you did for Blaise today. He was enamored by your every word and movement. He said you were his hero and you certainly proved above and beyond you are deserving of it today. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving our son your undivided attention. We will never forget what the definition of a hero is in Blaise's eyes and ours as well--it's you.
Thank you to Make-A-Wish, Clint Hurdle, Neil Walker, another of his idols (gave him his custom wristband and stood and chatted with us and our daughter for a long time, Starling Marte, Pedro Alvarez, Josh Harrison (gave him his custom wristband) and the rest of the Pirate players and staff for simply making a little boy's dream a reality. You are truly a class act--each and every one of you.
We can't forget Marty our photographer and Phil our videographer for being our buddies and preserving these great memories for Blaise. Also, Jeff Roy from the Pirates minor league for breaking the ice for Blaise and befriending him and being his ping pong, pool, and game buddy at Pirates City.
Let's Go Bucs!! Love and blessings to each and every one of you!!
— at Courtyard by Marriott Bradenton Sarasota Florida.
Video: KDKA footage of Fischer's time with McCutchen
Here is the clickable post from Andrew McCutchen's Facebook Page
my man Blaise hung out with us today and put in the full morning workout... thank you Blaise for making me part of your special day #MakeAWish
Posted by Andrew Mccutchen on Tuesday, March 24, 2015
RSS Feed