Fresno Grizzlies Make Young Cancer Survivor Honorary Team Captain

A young cancer survivor and patient of Valley Children’s Hospital was the star player at Wednesday night’s Fresno Grizzlies game: Jackson Standifer, 11, who’s been playing baseball since he was 4.

"It means so much. I’m honored that I even got to do this. And they could’ve picked any kid, and they decided to pick me," Jackson said.

Last week, the Fresno Grizzlies surprised Jackson at Valley Children’s Hospital. To help make his wish come true, they signed him on a one-day contract and let him throw the first pitch of the game.

"It was amazing. I cannot describe it in words," Jackson said.

It had been almost a year since Lou Standifer, Jackson’s father, had seen his son out on a baseball field with a team. Last July, Jackson was diagnosed with Stage-4 Burkitt’s lymphoma, a rare and aggressive cancer.

Standifer described the entire journey as surreal.

"I know he’s okay, and we came so close to losing him that it’s wonderful–it’s amazing," Standifer said.

After spending 110 nights in the hospital, Jackson celebrated being cancer free since January.

As the honorary team captain, Jackson received a locker with his name on it, a Grizzlies uniform, and shoes.

"I just wanted to make sure he had a pair of shoes to fit in," said Dan Straily, a Grizzlies team member. "He signed a one day deal with the team, so it was just simple."

But to Jackson, the simple gesture of human kindness meant the world to him, as well as the support and care he received from Valley Children’s Hospital during his treatment.

"They’ve (Valley Children’s) been so good to me, it’s indescribable," Jackson said.

For Jackson, getting the chance to hang with the big guys is huge, but even bigger is his own win in life.

Wednesday night’s game was Good Karma Night–a fundraiser for Valley Children’s hospital. Fans were able to pick their own ticket prices, and half of the ticket proceeds will be donated to Valley Children’s.

The amount raised for Valley Children’s was $ 1,887, according to Ryan Young, communications manager for the Fresno Grizzlies.