Yesterday, we introduced you to the story of Chase Utley and Devin Smeltzer, who met Utley when he was 10 at Citizens Bank Park and went on to beat cancer and become a professional baseball player.
SportsNet LA, who produces the series “Backstage Dodgers” only had a tease available for their heartwarming reunion in the Dodgers clubhouse, but have now posted the entire clip.
Many of you on social media asked if there was more video, so we wanted to provide this updated link where you can find the entire segment and hear Utley, who is almost brought to tears, talk about what this encounter means to him.
Click here to watch the entire video.
While people have posted comments expressing that Chase Utley is the man — and of course, he is — let’s take a moment to recognize what Devin has done to get where he is today. A local kid from Voorhees, New Jersey, Smeltzer is the true hero in this story. He has overcome a cancerous tumor in his bladder and has made it all the way to being a prospect in the Dodgers' organization.
Something tells me this story is not over, and if Smeltzer ever gets the chance to pitch inside Citizens Bank Park one day, with the many people who have now heard his story, I think Philly will welcome him with open arms.
