Devin Smelzter, Voorhees Native Who Overcame Cancer As Young Boy, Dazzles In MLB Debut With Twins
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (CBS) -- A Voorhees, New Jersey, native who overcame cancer as a young boy shined in his MLB debut Tuesday night. Twenty-three-year-old Devin Smeltzer struck out seven batters and didn't give up any runs in the Twins' 5-3 over the Brewers.
It was a historic outing for Smeltzer and the Twins.
Devin Smeltzer is the first pitcher in @Twins history to have 6+ IP, 7+ Ks, and 0 Rs allowed in his career debut https://t.co/EOCa8qDWzX pic.twitter.com/4oSep67lh3
— Baseball Reference (@baseball_ref) May 29, 2019
The Bishop Eustace graduate was diagnosed with a tumor on his pelvis when he was just 9 years old, and he's been in remission for seven years.
During his journey to the big leagues, he even got to share a touching moment with Phillies' great Chase Utley, who was then with the Dodgers.
Smeltzer's family was even there to see the special moment as he achieved his dream of playing in MLB.