Dustin Pedroia and the Boston Red Sox made 12-year-old Jace Andrews’ dream come true in ESPN’s latest installment of “My Wish.”
Jace, of Montgomery, Texas, was born with eight heart defects and given a 50-50 chance of survival. He underwent a nine-hour open heart surgery when he was just three days old and then had two more heart surgeries when he was 9 months and 3 1/2 years old. Despite all of the medical issues in his young life, though, Jace is still able to play most sports, and most importantly, he’s able to play his favorite sport: baseball.
The youngster, who is a massive Red Sox fan and an even bigger Dustin Pedroia fan, was surprised on Mother’s Day when his wish was granted as Pedey popped up on his television screen and invited Jace and his family out to Boston to enjoy the day together at Fenway Park.
“I feel like I’m Dustin Pedroia,” Jace said. “He inspires me.”
When Jace arrived at Fenway Park, the Red Sox second baseman was there to greet him in the clubhouse, showing him to his very own locker that was filled with equipment just for him. The two also walked out to the Green Monster and signed their names together inside the wall before Jace took some swings in the outfield and hit a ball over the famous wall.
In addition to joking around with Jonny Gomes, David Ortiz and manager John Farrell, Jace’s amazing day included throwing out the ceremonial first pitch — a perfect strike to Pedroia who happily signed the ball before handing it back to his No. 1 fan. Jace and his family then enjoyed the game from the Monster seats that night, which was fitting because his favorite memory now involves that historic wall.
“I’ll remember hitting it over the Monster; that’s the one thing that I loved,” he said. “I can say I hit the ball over the Monster.”
