MIAMI -- A special visitor joined the Marlins for batting practice on Saturday afternoon, and veteran infielders Martín Prado and Starlin Castro made him and his family feel welcome.
Johan A., an 8-year-old from Lake Worth, Fla., was the organization’s honored guest as part of “Childhood Cancer Awareness Day,” an MLB initiative.
“We use this environment as a platform for creating a positive impact in society and in the community,” Prado said. “We do it because we just want to make them feel they’re like us.”
Johan, from the Austen Everett Foundation, is a big baseball fan. Accompanied by his family, he spent time with Prado and Castro as the rest of the Marlins were taking batting practice.
At one moment, Prado removed his gold wrist band and placed it on Johan’s arm.
Saturday marked the fourth consecutive year that MLB clubs are taking part in childhood cancer awareness. Players throughout both leagues are wearing gold during games.
Additionally, all on-field personnel, including players, coaches, umpires and grounds crew members, will wear gold ribbon decals and wristbands during all games, and clubs may also feature additional ceremonial activities in ballparks as well as participate in special efforts within the communities.
MLB’s “Childhood Cancer Awareness Day” is in recognition of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in collaboration with Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C). Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States and Canada.
As part of his day, Johan made the “Play Ball!” announcement.
“I think it’s pretty cool to bring Johan to spend some time with us,” Prado said. “I’m pretty sure every single guy here is going to say hello to him and make sure he has a good time here with the Marlins.”
Rojas receives Heart and Hustle Award
On a rebuilding team, shortstop Miguel Rojas has bought into the direction the Marlins are heading, and on a daily basis sets a positive example.
Rojas’ dedication has earned him the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) Heart and Hustle Award. One player from each of the 30 MLB teams has a winner.
Rojas received the award from an alumnus of the organization, former Marlins shortstop Alex Gonzalez.
“He's the whole deal, from the standpoint, he's good in the clubhouse,” manager Don Mattingly said. “He's great about finding what you're trying to accomplish. He plays the game right. He's a great example, and he's also vocal. He takes charge on the field. He's like having another coach out there."