ATLANTA — The All-Star Game is far more than just baseball. It’s a time for unity, community and outreach.
The league has highlighted these values through various initiatives this week, including events, funding and projects for military veterans, Make-a-Wish children and HBCU athletes. On Tuesday at Truist Park, these efforts continued with a focus on Stand Up to Cancer, a crucial partner for Major League Baseball.
Sid Hobbs, a young fan battling cancer, experienced a dream opportunity prior to the 95th Midsummer Classic. He joined some of the league’s top players on the field for batting practice.
Hobbs’ favorite player is Freddie Freeman, whom he follows with the Braves and Dodgers. He also roots for Austin Riley, Chris Sale and Ronald Acuña Jr., who were NL All-Stars alongside Freeman.
“He’s been diagnosed with seven different brain tumors,” Hobbs’ dad John shared before the game as the family took in batting practice. “About 10 years ago, we started going to different ballparks. We hit the whole East Coast… we love going to these ballparks… and we said, ‘We’re going see all of them.’”
“Then in April, he got a new diagnosis, and it was like, we don’t know how much time we got, we’re gonna make sure we hit all 18 that we have left this summer. So we started on our ballpark tour. While we were on the trip, Mastercard sent me an email, and said, ‘We’d like to bring you out to the All-Star Game.’ It’s been an awesome experience, everyone we met has been really nice.”
Hobbs, 17, was especially looking forward to speaking with Freeman again. The two had previously met in Los Angeles when Hobbs threw out a first pitch at Dodger Stadium.
“And then the next night, we took [Sid] to the dugout, and Mike Trout pops out. So it was crazy,” John recalled. “Being down here on the field, and watching batting practice is awesome. We’ve had so many awesome experiences, the last week has been amazing just getting to be with each other and experience all this together.”
“We’re excited just to get to see the best out here. We’re hoping to run into Freddie and Dave Roberts again. They were super nice guys. Just getting to hang out, and see something we’ve never experienced before, and just being together, man, that means everything.”
Hobbs also participated in a long-standing tradition at MLB’s major events: the Stand Up to Cancer in-stadium moment. During this observance, players, umpires and coaches held up signs honoring friends and loved ones affected by cancer.
Staff members also distributed placards to every seat in Truist Park, encouraging fans to write names. Each placard bore the message “I stand up for,” with space below for personalization. This moment occurred after the fourth inning concluded.
National League manager Dave Roberts recognized Scott Miller, a longtime baseball writer who recently died from pancreatic cancer. American League manager Aaron Boone’s placard read, “Jake.” Braves pitcher Chris Sale wrote “Dad” on his, while Reds star Elly De La Cruz honored “La Familia” and “Los Enfermos.”
Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge honored “Uncle Frank.” Hall of Famer and commentator David Ortiz wrote, “Mi Viejo – Leo Ortiz.” Phillies All-Star Kyle Schwarber’s placard simply stated, “Everyone!”
Brewers All-Star Freddy Peralta honored “Mr. Baseball,” the late Bob Uecker, who passed away from cancer in January.
This special moment, supported by Stand Up to Cancer and Mastercard, and broadcast live by FOX, has been a feature of every All-Star Game and World Series since 2009. MLB and its 30 clubs have collectively invested over $50 million into Stand Up to Cancer’s research initiatives.
