Major League Baseball is celebrating the 88th All-Star Game in Miami this week, but it's also celebrating All-Stars who are around every one of us in our regular lives.
Jacob Teel, a 10-year-old baseball fan and player from Arkansas, is one such hero, and he was fittingly honored in a special moment that all fans can take part in during this week's festivities.
Jacob has battled cancer three times in his young life and is currently receiving treatment at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when he was 3, but he is battling with an All-Star spirit.
To that end, MLB and Stand Up 2 Cancer were more than thrilled to invite Jacob to Miami for a first-class All-Star experience, which included the opportunity to serve as a youth reporter for Stand Up 2 Cancer at the All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game on Sunday.
Before the game, Jacob hobnobbed with celebrities such as actor/singer Jamie Foxx and softball legend Jennie Finch. Then, once the game started, MLB Network analyst and member of the 1997 World Series-champion Marlins Al Leiter surprised the crowd at Marlins Park -- and Jacob -- by offering the young baseball fan his at-bat in the first inning.
The special, moving series of events that followed will air Monday on ESPN following the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, which begins at 8 p.m. ET.
On Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, tune in to the 2017 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard live on FOX, and during the game visit MLB.com to submit your choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet via the 2017 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote. The 88th All-Star Game, in Miami, will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 160 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB.com, MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.