Chicago – Shortly after Chicago Cubs star pitcher Cade Horton was announced as a strong candidate for the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year award, a touching story brought the entire MLB community to a chokehold. Horton received a handwritten letter from a 10-year-old boy battling a terminal illness in the locker room just hours before a crucial game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“You are the reason I get up every morning and try. When I watch you play, I forget the pain and feel stronger. Congratulations on being nominated for Rookie of the Year!” – the boy’s trembling but emotional words left Horton speechless.
In a brief interview right after the game, Horton shared: “Receiving this letter right before the game made me choke up. It reminded me that baseball is more than just numbers or winning. It’s about hope, it’s about joy, it’s about how we connect with other people’s lives.”
Horton pitched seven excellent innings, allowing just one run, helping the Cubs to a 4-1 win over the Pirates. Many young fans and parents watching online said they were even more impressed with Horton’s fighting spirit and heart.
Immediately after receiving the letter, Horton returned the signed glove along with a personal note, saying: “Keep up the good work. You are a true warrior, and you make me want to play better every day. Thank you for your congratulations – it means a lot.”
The story quickly went viral. On Twitter, the hashtag #CadeHortonRookie trended, with thousands of shares and comments:
“This is why we love sports – it’s not about winning or losing, it’s about character.”
“It’s a small letter, but the impact it has had on Horton and the young fans is huge.”
MLB experts say that with his current form and admirable spirit, Horton is not only a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year, but also a symbol of empathy and character in sports.
As the Cubs prepare to enter the pivotal stage of the season, the story between Horton and the young fan is proof that baseball is more than just winning: it is about hope, emotion and the power of human connection. A small letter, a few shaky lines, but enough to make an MLB star stop, feel and inspire.
Cade Horton and the young fan together wrote an emotional chapter, reminding everyone that sometimes, the simplest actions can change lives – and sometimes, a victory on the field is just the tip of the iceberg of hope.
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