Bryce Harper Meets with 13-Year-Old Cancer Patient

Gavin Rupp is truly an inspiration to me! He is a warrior and will always be in my heart and mind! #HesMyHero pic.twitter.com/WO5qzc3HJ9

— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) July 6, 2013

Baseball players are always being pulled in a bunch of different directions when they’re at the field, especially someone who generates as much attention as 20-year-old phenom, Bryce Harper.

That’s what makes the Washington Nationals outfielder’s act of altruism Friday even more incredible.

Harper spent nearly an hour of his time before the game hanging out on the field with 13-year-old Gavin Rupp, who was recently diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.

Rupp had been invited to the game to throw out the first pitch and spend some time in the dugout with his family prior to the game.

Harper went above and beyond the call of duty to make Rupp’s experience especially memorable.

When you read stories like this, it’s easy to forget your bias as a fan, even when it comes to such a fierce division rival.