D-Backs Grant Kyle Byrd’s Wish

Sometimes we need to take a step back and realize that Major League Baseball and other professional sports teams are more than just about wins and losses. Like every other fan of the Arizona Diamondbacks, I was disappointed with Monday night’s 5-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds, dropping the D-Backs to six games behind the Cincinnati Reds for the second wild-card. When the game was over, I was able to get up and walk to my bedroom.

Six-year-old Kyle Byrd is not as lucky.

Adam Eaton’s biggest hit came when he helped grant Kyle Byrd’s wish. Image: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle and his twin sister Lauren both have Spinal Muscular Atrophy which among other horrendous things, makes the legs unable to straighten and confines its victims to a wheelchair. It is a disease you would not want to wish on your worst enemy, let alone innocent children. ESPN runs a series of specials called “My Wish” which allows seriously ill kids the opportunity to meet their biggest sports heroes. It is by far the best program the network runs throughout the year. Kyle’s wish was to become a real member of the D-Backs, his favorite sports team. Back in April, he was playing in his Miracle League Baseball game when Adam Eaton and Willie Bloomquist showed up and invited him to Chase Field where Kyle would be able to meet all of his favorite players and eventually throw out the first pitch of that evening’s game.

Please view the video in its entirety here. My description and anyone else’s for that matter can not adequately tell the whole story. It is a story that belongs on this website, even if it has nothing to do with on-field action or off-field transactions. Be warned: tears may flow – they did for me.

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