Leukemia Patient To Throw First Pitch At Phillies Home Opener
By Greg Argos
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Phillies home opener is Monday and this year a 10-year-old will throw out the first pitch, and it's a dream come true.
Fans are pumped for Phillies opening day.
"I think it's great just the spirit and camaraderie of all the Phillies fans getting together," says a Phillies fan.
But, before the players can take the field there has to be the ceremonial first pitch. And the honor this year is going to a special 10-year-old fan.
"I'm just used to pitching and I think I can do it," said Matt Collins from Glenolden. "I'm not really that worried."
Matt was diagnosed with Leukemia in February.
"I'm doing good," Matt said. "I just try to stay positive."
When his child's life specialist, at Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, found out he was a big baseball player and an even bigger Phillies fan, she knew she had to make sure he threw the first pitch.
"I play first base and pitcher," Matt said. "I love baseball. I play it. I go to games a lot."
"As soon as I heard we had the opportunity to nominate a patient, I thought Matt was the perfect kid," said Jen Kelley. "I checked with the doctors and as soon as they said yes, I said, we have to do this."
And with a pep rally in the lobby Thursday, Matt says he excited and his arm is ready for Monday's fastball.
Even though Matt says he's pumped to throw the first pitch, the Phillies mascot may just be a little more excited.