Penelope Byler was standing on the top step of the Pirates dugout, chanting with her softball teammates, when Bryan Reynolds approached during batting practice with a question.
Reynolds wanted to know if Byler, 10, could help by throwing out the first pitch before Friday’s game against the Phillies at PNC Park.
A gigantic, ear-to-ear smile followed.
“That was amazing,” Byler said.
Smart move by Reynolds because Penelope – who’s from Salesville, Ohio, located about 100 miles west of Pittsburgh – is a fighter who has already accomplished so much.
At age 2, Byler was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma and endured 42 consecutive weeks of chemotherapy, then 24 weeks of maintenance chemo.
She endured six weeks of radiation, five blood transfusions, four surgeries, 48 medical sedations and myriad scans before ringing the cancer-free bell on Nov. 22, 2019.
Penelope – or Nellie – has remained in remission ever since and has always been a Pirates fan, specifically idolizing Reynolds.
Penelope has been playing softball for two years and made the All-Star team last season. She plays second base and shortstop and loves watching games with her brother and dad.
“Kids are resilient,” said Penelope’s mom, Kylie Kidder. “Starting so young, hopefully she doesn’t remember much. But to see her smile and be happy now is truly a blessing. I’m grateful for that.”
The Pirates rolled out the red, black and gold carpet on a City Connect night for the Byler family.
Reynolds greeted them in their own private locker room, across the tunnel from the Pirates clubhouse. Inside were dozens of gifts, including a custom Reynolds jersey, City Connect swag, bobbleheads, plush toys and more.
The team also had jerseys made for Kylie, Nellie’s dad (Melvin) and her older brother (Timothy, 15) and younger sister (Portlyn, 3).
Penelope said her favorite part was Reynolds signing the bat he gave to the Bylers. But that was hardly it.
In addition to throwing out a ceremonial first pitch to Reynolds, Penelope and Portlyn got to yell “Play Ball!” Timothy Byler delivered the lineup card, while the entire Byler family held the finish line for the Pierogy Race.
During the game, owner Bob Nutting hosted the family in the Home Plate Club and Penelope’s softball team in World Series Suite 1971, another surprise Penelope learned about during batting practice.
“It’s overwhelming, to say the least,” Kylie said. “She deserves everything she’s gotten [Friday]. She battled for nearly two years nonstop and was resilient through the whole process, smiling and giggling. She’s a fighter.”
All of this was made possible through Lending Hearts, a local nonprofit that provides support for children, young adults and families living with cancer, an organization Bryan and his wife Blair have supported in the past.
“It was great,” Bryan Reynolds said. “She was a little shy at first. But you see her with her friends, and she’s having a blast. She’s been through a lot in her life. To give her a special day really means a lot.”
Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH on X.