Instant Replay: Rays OF Hits Home Run In Front Of Fan Battling Cancer
Apr 13, 2022, 11:53 AM
Brett Phillips #35 of the Tampa Bay Rays and Sean Murphy #12 of the Oakland Athletics watch the ball after Phillips hit a home run in the third inning at Tropicana Field on April 12, 2022 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Brett Phillips smashed a home run with one of his biggest fans in attendance.
The Rays hosted the Oakland Athletics at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida on Tuesday, April 12.
Before the game, eight-year-old Chloe Grimes, who was recently diagnosed for the second time and is currently battling cancer, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to her favorite player in Phillips.
Grimes gave Phillips a bracelet before the game. Phillips put it on his wrist and said, “It will bring me good luck.”
Oh, and she’s got a cannon ⛽️🔥pic.twitter.com/cEFAtRNP0N
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) April 12, 2022
In the bottom of the third inning, Phillips hit a home run while Grimes was being interviewed on the television broadcast.
“Brett Phillips just hit a home run,” Grimes said with a smile on her face.
🗣 @Brett_Phillips8 just hit a home run!
Our Tuesday Champion, Chloe Grimes, on the call for her favorite player's first HR of the year! pic.twitter.com/a1HnxYYxhk
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) April 13, 2022
“I had the chance to meet Chloe for the first time. She’s battling cancer and she brought me these gifts. She wrote my name on a softball,” Phillips said after the game. “Chloe, you’re an inspiration. I think that’s the hardest, farthest ball I’ve hit in my career. I’m praying for you guys.”
With one of his biggest fans in the stands last night – Chloe Grimes, an 8-year-old battling cancer for the second time – @brett_phillips8 did not disappoint. #BiggerThanBaseball pic.twitter.com/hIRbUyejez
— MLB (@MLB) April 13, 2022
The homer was Phillips’ first of the 2022 season.
Phillips and the Rays went on to beat the A’s, 9-8.
“Chloe, you’re an inspiration. … that homer was for you." ❤️
Rays outfielder Brett Phillips was choked up after hitting a home run with his biggest fan, Chloe Grimes, in attendance. Chloe, who's 8 years old, is battling cancer for the second time. pic.twitter.com/0ALFskSKw2
— ESPN (@espn) April 13, 2022
With the win, Tampa Bay improved its record to 4-1.
This season, Phillips is batting .154 with two hits, one run, one home run, two RBIs, and one walk in 13 at-bats.
Tampa Bay’s next game is against Oakland on Wednesday, April 13 at 4:40 p.m. (MDT).
