Teen with cerebral palsy gets to meet the Yankees

Christian Heavner visited his favorite baseball team and met some players.

ByABC News
May 4, 2017, 10:22 AM

— -- The North Carolina teenager surprised with a dream sports trip by his classmates finally made it to home plate.

Christian Heavner, a high school senior living with cerebral palsy, was given a big send-off in his hometown on Tuesday before embarking on a trip to watch the New York Yankees play on their home field.

The lucky teen’s time in the Big Apple went beyond watching the swing of the bat or hearing the sounds of a roaring crowd at Wednesday’s game which pitted the Bronx Bombers against the Toronto Blue Jays.

A student group known as the Junior Dream team raised almost $10,000 to pay for the experience.

Basking in the sun of an afternoon made perfect for America’s pastime, Heavner met the Yankees’ Brett Gardner and Didi Gregorius, and even scored a few autographs.

His smile spoke volumes and it was broadcast on the big screen for everyone in the stadium to see.

“It means the world to me. I’ve wanted to do this since I was a little boy,” Heavner told ABC-owned station WABC-TV.

Adding to an already wonderful day at the ballpark, Heavner’s team of choice beat the Blue Jays 8-6.

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