After a viral video, the most sought-after pitcher in baseball is this 7-year-old girl.
The teams really stepped up to the plate on this one.
Back in 2015, then-5-year-old Hailey Dawson threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Baltimore Orioles game.
Born with a rare congenital condition called Poland Syndrome, Hailey was born with just two fingers on her right hand. The engineering department at the University of Nevada Las Vegas helped craft a special 3D-printed hand for her, allowing her to grip and throw a baseball, something she might have otherwise not been able to do.
Hailey had so much fun throwing out that first pitch she set a goal of doing it at every Major League Baseball park.
Thanks to a viral video, it just might happen.
On Sept. 7, Bleacher Report published a video about Hailey's quest. The video highlighted her recent stop to visit the Washington Nationals, including a meet-and-greet with star outfielder Bryce Harper. The internet took notice, letting out a collective "awwwww" β as did more than a few big league teams.
Within hours, teams from all over the league began offering Hailey invites, including one from my beloved (World Series champs) Chicago Cubs.
If the video didn't melt your heart, the outpouring of support and encouragement might just do the trick.
She even got invited to stop by a few colleges, minor league stadiums, and should she ever find herself in Mexico, a stop or two down there, as well.
Yes, science is very cool, and seeing 3D-printing being used to improve the lives of everyday people is a big win for humanity. But most of all, this is a story about a girl with a goal that others are coming together to help her achieve.
If the video and the team responses bring a smile to your face, that's great. If they motivate you to help others achieve their dreams, that's even better.
Way to go, Hailey, and way to go, Major League Baseball.