Robinson Cano pulled off one of the most creative surprises you will ever see this past Friday as he surprised 13-year-old leukemia survivor Nick D’Annibale, with the help of MLB Fan Cave . The seventh-grader was given the opportunity to come play whiffle ball in the streets of New York City, but what came next he never expected.
An ice cream truck pulled up next to D’Annibale as he stepped up to the plate in the street’s of the Big Apple, and instead of getting a quick ice cream fix, out came Robinson Cano to surprise his biggest fan.
Is this not the best prop ever used by a big leaguer? It’s hard to top it, and it surely had it’s affect on D’Annibale. The youngster was shocked to see his favorite player, and after a quick introduction they went back to the game.
Cano threw pitches as D’Annibale took one big hack after another before the two switched places and Cano stepped to the plate. It’s one thing to get to meet one of your hero’s in Robinson Cano, and it’s even better when you get to play whiffle ball in the streets of one of the busiest cities in the world.
D’Annibale truly enjoyed the experience and Cano even went on to say, “whoa, you’re better than me,” after young Nick hit a ball off a building and rounded the bases.
Nick D’Annibale’s story is one of perseverance as he’s battled leukemia, and his father, John D’Annibale, said the treatments have been “really tough,” though his son has gotten better and is back in school.
The battle isn’t quite over yet as Nick may have up to two more years of treatment ahead. For one moment this past Friday, all the hard times throughout his battle disappeared as he shared a game with his favorite Yankee , Robinson Cano.
[Image via Keith Allison ]
