Finley Bishop, a baseball fan from Peoria, Illinois, has been in love with the game ever since he was six-years-old. The now 12-year-old actually shares something in common with Chicago White Sox announcer, Jason Benetti. Both he and the broadcaster have cerebral palsy, a condition that affects a person’s muscles and bodily movement. The condition can be treated to a certain extent through therapy but it cannot be completely cured. Finley’s uncle, Eric Crowhurst, says his family first learned Finley had cerebral palsy six months after he was born. However, like Benetti, Finley does not let the condition stop him from enjoying life to the fullest. “He loves playing (baseball) with the neighborhood boys now,” said Crowhurst. “His mom made jerseys and everything for all the boys to wear during their backyard games.”
While his passion for baseball runs deep, Finley had never been to a Major League game. However, this all changed on Sunday when his family made the long trip to the South Side for the White Sox vs. Tigers matinee. Leading up to this game, the Sox On 35th crew had been in contact with Crowhurst about getting in touch with Benetti, and possibly arranging a meeting for Finley. After sending out a tweet that received over a hundred retweets and likes, Crowhurst was contacted by the White Sox organization shortly after. Then, just a few days prior to leaving for Chicago, Crowhurst found out that Finley would indeed get his wish.
Now, fast-forward to Sunday. Prior to the game, Finley and his family met Jason Benetti and color commentator, Steve Stone in the press box. It was an amazing experience for all and Finley “loved it.”
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Pictures and Video courtesy of Eric Crowhurst.
How nice of Eric.