MLB Friends for FIRST
FIRST's friend, Tommy is Major League Baseball's biggest little fan!
As baseball season kicks into high gear, there will be one important fan watching from the stands. Tommy, a small doll, dubbed the MLB’s Biggest Little Fan, has traveled to Major League Baseball teams across the country to help raise awareness about ichthyosis, a group of genetic skin disorders characterized by dry, cracked, scaling skin. Tommy’s nationwide tour was inspired by Dane Phelps, who passed away in 2008 when he was just three years old from complications related to his ichthyosis. In an effort to broaden awareness about the disorder, Dane’s parents Suzanne and Eric, along with the help of FIRST, launched a nationwide tour of NFL Teams this past November with a goal to visit each NFL team, educate and gain each team’s support, as well as obtain an official team jersey. After all team donations were received, they were included for auction at the Dane’s Friends for FIRST 2013 event, to be held on September 7, 2013 at the Flint Center in Cupertino, California, where all proceeds will benefit FIRST. The success of the NFL campaign has led to the expansion of Tommy's travels to the country's Major League Baseball stadiums. Tommy's adventures will be publicized here on FIRST's website, and on our facebook and twitter pages so that fans across the country can enjoy.
| Chicago White Sox | |||
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Tommy visits US Cellular Field in Chicago and gets to see the White Sox World Series trophy. |
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| Baltimore Orioles | |||
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Tommy is in Baltimore helping Assistant Groundskeeper Tom Kirsh get Oriole Park ready for their home opener.
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| Colorado Rockies | ||||
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Tommy tours Coors Field in Denver, home of the Colorado Rockies |
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| Atlanta Braves | |||
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Tommy stops at Turner Field in Atlanta and is ready to "chop" the Braves' opponents | ||
San Francisco Giants
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Tommy was so happy to receive an autographed baseball signed by Giants pitcher Matt Cain |
Arizona Diamondbacks (more...)
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Tommy had a blast hanging out at Chase Field, home of the Diamondbacks. |
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Los Angeles Angels
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Tommy visited Angels field in Los Angeles and visited the Trout Farm, the cheering section for outfielder Mike Trout. |
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San Diego Padres
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Tommy is enjoying the beautiful San Diego sunshine while visiting Petco Park, home of the Padres! Many thanks to the Padres for donating a signed Clayton Richard baseball as well. |
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"Our loss is huge, but our greatest joy is in knowing that his life can still make a difference for others here on earth." As many know, Eric and Suzanne are the proud parents of beautiful Dane Christian Phelps who passed away in 2008 when he was just 3 years old. The family hosted the 1st Annual Dane’s Friends for FIRST Concert, in September 2012 in San Jose, California to honor his memory.
It was an extremely successful event that not only raised over $20,000 for FIRST’s mission to Educate, Inspire, and Connect those touched by ichthyosis, but it also spread ichthyosis awareness to the San Jose community. The 4th event is scheduled for September 2015. Details will be posted when finalized.
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