“You’re An Inspiration”- Tampa Bay Rays Star Brett Phillips Tears Up as He Dedicates Home Run To 8-year-old Fan Battling Cancer

Sometimes in sports, we go beyond the play. The value of a home run is not just reflected on the scoreboard but sometimes can mean so much more. An example of it was when Brett Phillips homered in the Rays’ game versus the Oakland Athletics. He had the strength not just of his team but the motivation of doing it for 8-year-old fan Chloe Grimes, who was battling cancer for the second time. And once the game concluded, Phillips even spoke to the media about how much it meant to him.

The outfielder teared up at the end of his game and seemed to house tremendous emotion as he answered questions about the young fan. Having started the game by throwing the first pitch, Grimes was also being interviewed as Phillips launched his home run into the stands. Explaining why he was her favorite player, she seemed only too glad to have met him before the game and even gave him some gifts as a mark of her respect for the player.

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Brett Phillips wishes young fan

Speaking after the game, Phillips was choked as he spoke to the reporter and set out a message for Grimes. “Chloe, you’re an inspiration,” said Phillips. He also added: “I think that’s the hardest ball I’ve hit in my career. I’m praying for you guys … I hope I can meet Chloe again in the future.”

Speaking to the positive attitude of the young fan, Phillips seemed to just be struck by the sheer strength. “You would never know she’s battling cancer. Just the joy and energy she brought. It’s tough but it puts my career in perspective and how I come out here every day and treat everyone with love and respect,” he added.

Speaking almost directly to her, from the diamond, Phillips wished the young fan a quick recovery, and the ability to be back on the diamond as soon as possible. Said Phillips, “Chloe, you add to the story, and I appreciate you.”

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Chloe Grimes’ story and recovery

Aged just 8, young Rays fan Chloe Grimes is fighting cancer for the 2nd time, and to have her witness such a special moment was truly great to be captured on polaroid. Moreover, asked why she loved Brett Phillips. The young fan had the perfect answer. Said Chloe, “Because he has the best smile, he’s always having fun and I like how he does his airplane,” as she smiled from cheek to cheek.

Echoing what we must all be feeling, Phillips concluded by wishing Chloe on her recovery. “I hope she comes out of this stronger, and I believe she will. I know she will. And I hope to cross paths with her again sometime soon and thank her for the power,” he said. Sporting gifted her wristband on his hand, the star launched the home run with it on him.

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Sport is a powerful tool to make people happy, and when wielded with responsibility can be tremendously empowering. Here’s wishing young Chloe Grimes on her recovery; and hoping she can be back to a Rays game for when they make the post-season!!