HOUSTON — A young baseball fan who is fighting cancer was all smiles Tuesday when she got the chance to meet her idol – Houston Astros slugger José Altuve.
According to KTRK and KHOU, the second baseman welcomed 7-year-old Abigail Arias and her family to the team's clubhouse before Tuesday's World Series opener. Freeport police Chief Ray Garivey, who named Abigail an honorary officer earlier this year, also was invited.
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All of the guests received free tickets to watch the Astros face the Washington Nationals that evening, KTRK reported.
Thank you Altuve for your time. GOD bless
Posted by Abigail Arias - Officer 758's Cancer Fight on Tuesday, October 22, 2019
In a Facebook post, Abigail's father, Ruben Arias, said his daughter gave Altuve an "Abigail Strong" bracelet and a shirt that the girl designed with help from clothing brand Relentless Defender. Proceeds from sales of the shirts, which are available on the company's website, help Abigail's family cover medical costs, CBS News reported.
Altuve appeared to wear both items in social media photos, donning the shirt before he took the field and the bracelet during the game.
When he wears our Honorary Officer Abigail 758’s Thin Blue Line “Abigail Strong” bracelet in game 1 of the World Series!...
Posted by Freeport Police Department - Texas on Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Follwing her meeting with Altuve, Abigail spoke to KHOU about the experience.
"I told him, 'Altuve, please make a home run for me,'" she told the TV station.
One of the bravest little girls we've seen...
— Daniel Gotera (@DTGoteraKHOU) October 22, 2019
Abigail Arias, aka "Officer Abigail", just met her favorite baseball player, Jose Altuve. What did she tell him? "I told him that please, Altuve...please make a home run for me." #Astros pic.twitter.com/DmmflxkjID
The MLB star told reporters that meeting Abigail meant a lot to him.
"If I can bring a smile to her face, I am happy to do it," he said, according to KHOU.
Jose Altuve met with 7-year old Abigail Arias before the game as she continues her fight against severe kidney cancer. "She smiled, we had a good time...what can I say, If I can bring a smile to her face I am happy to do it." #Astros pic.twitter.com/aYjPbluEoH
— Daniel Gotera (@DTGoteraKHOU) October 23, 2019
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