Dodgers Grant Make-A-Wish Dream, Let Young Fan Pitch in Real Game

LOS ANGELES, CA - In an inspiring moment that left fans misty-eyed and confused, the Los Angeles Dodgers partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to fulfill the dream of a young fan by letting him pitch in a real, live Major League Baseball game.

The fan, who goes by the name “Kiké,” took the mound in full Dodgers gear Tuesday night in a 15-2 blowout against the Marlins. With a determined look on his face, a batting helmet on his head (yes, while pitching), and safety goggles strapped firmly over his eyes, Kiké delivered one unforgettable inning of… something.

Though he gave up 2 hits while throwing 8 of 14 pitches for strikes, it was never about the box score.

“This was about inclusion,” said Dodgers PR director Janet Cole. “We’ve always believed baseball is for everyone — even those who, frankly, should probably not be near a pitching mound.”

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was equally supportive. “We told him, ‘Go out there and have fun. Don’t worry about the velocity, the strikes, or the fact that you’re wearing a batting helmet.’ And he did just that. He had fun. I think.”

The Make-A-Wish Foundation issued a heartfelt statement after the game:

“We are thrilled to have partnered with the Dodgers to make this dream a reality. We rarely get to grant a wish at this level of national visibility — and certainly not in the 9th inning of a MLB game — but Kiké earned this moment with his courage, his heart, and his very unique understanding of baseball.”

Fans in the stands stood and cheered as Kiké walked off the mound, unaware the inning was over three outs ago.

Teammates embraced him in the dugout, some holding back laughter, others holding back tears. One player reportedly whispered, “This is the most feel-good blowout win we’ve ever had.”

No word yet on whether the Dodgers will make this a recurring program, but insiders say next week’s “Wish Wednesday” may involve letting a kid named “Austin” catch a few innings, though he too is already on the 40-man roster.