Cancer survivor, 7, to throw first pitch at Blue Jays game

P.E.I. youth gets chance to run bases, meet his favourite players

Harrison Maye had just joined his first baseball league when he was diagnosed with cancer, but it didn’t stop him from putting on a brave face and going to practice that same day back home in Prince Edward Island.

About a year later, the 7-year-old is cancer free and he’ll get the chance to throw the ceremonial first pitch before today’s game between the Blue Jays and the New York Yankees.

“He’s super-excited, but he’s also a little nervous about the pitch,” Harrison’s mother, Sherri Maye, told the Star over the phone.

“He’s talking about all the people that will be watching him, but he is really excited.”

On Wednesday, Harrison will make his way on to the baseball diamond at the Rogers Centre for the Jays vs. Yankees game. He’ll also get to run the bases and meet some of his favourite Jays players.

“His favourite player is Kevin Pillar. He thinks his diving catches are some sort of super power,” Sherri said.

Harrison was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that diminishes the body’s ability to fight infections, in July 2016. After attending four baseball practices at the Dairy Queen Rally Cap program, he could no longer play.

“He began treatment and he had some bad days, which of course was devastating. After only those few practices he really took to the game,” Sherri said.

Harrison’s love for baseball began when he was a toddler, watching his father play in a league in the family’s hometown of Fort Augustus, P.E.I. Harrison became a fan of the Jays after watching games with his grandfather.

After five months of chemotherapy, Harrison was declared cancer free and he’s back to the baseball field this summer — and, apparently, pitching for the Jays.

Thursday is Miracle Treat Day, when all proceeds from Dairy Queen Blizzards will be donated to hospitals under the Children’s Miracle Network.

Sherri said Dairy Queen Canada, in partnership with the Jays and the Children’s Miracle Network, offered Harrison the trip to Toronto for the first pitch about three weeks ago.

“We’ll be in Toronto for about four days, and we’re also going to Ripley’s Aquarium, the CN Tower and maybe even the Toronto Zoo,” she said.

STEVE RUSSELL/TORONTO STAR Harrison Maye was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in July 2016. Now cancer-free, he is looking forward to tossing out the first pitch at today’s Jays game because he was unable to play baseball while undergoing treatment.

SHERRI MAYE Harrison Maye sits with his principal and teachers at Donagh Regional School in P.E.I. The youngster will throw the first pitch at Wednesday’s Jays-Yankees game.