OAKLAND — For 15-year-old Gabrie De La Cruz, his Opening Night was a bit different than most his age. He found himself standing on the mound at the Oakland Coliseum before the A’s hosted the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday.
Behind the plate was starting pitcher Paul Blackburn who caught the ceremonial first pitch from Gabriel.
Gabriel was granted his wish as part of Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area. But him throwing the ball over the plate wasn’t exactly his main wish. His true “Wish” was to attend the 2023 MLB-All-Star Game in Seattle.
His wish was granted. He found out by looking up at the video board, standing next to Blackburn on the field.
The video showed Blackburn, of course, but the faces of Seth Brown, Tony Kemp, Bryce Harper and Mike Trout told Gabriel to pack his bags.
Gabriel, 15, is a kid through Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area, he threw out the ceremonial first pitch before tonight's game. But his actual "Wish," which is to attend the 2023 MLB All-Star Game in Seattle, and it was granted!!! pic.twitter.com/pjk5VPMyTA
— Jessica Kleinschmidt (@KleinschmidtJD) March 31, 2023
Trout gave De La Cruz a standing ovation from the opposing dugout.
Gabriel will be a special VIP guest of Major League Baseball will attend all events at T-Mobile Park, including All-Star Saturday (SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game and the Celebrity Softball Game), the T-Mobile Home Run Derby on Monday, and the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday.
He’ll be doing it in style too, in the comfort of a luxury suite.
In April of 2021, Gabriel was diagnosed with ALL B-Cell Leukemia, at 13-years-old. He had been in love with baseball since the age of 4 when he was on his Little League team.
He began treatment and would ask doctors one question: “When can I play baseball again?” Going through treatment had prevented him from participating.
In April 2022, he was given the clearance to play ball again.
An amazing moment for a young fan, and a great dedication from MLB.
