Throwing out the first pitch to David Ortiz at Fenway Park is something most people never have the opportunity to experience.
For Middleborough’s Dominic Driscoll, taking the mound ahead of Saturday’s game between the Red Sox and Dodgers was part of an unforgettable day en route to his goal of being a professional baseball player.
Even more impressive than Driscoll’s nationally recognized talent entering his eighth-grade season is his unwavering work ethic despite a congenital heart condition. His efforts were recognized and rewarded during the April Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island 40th Anniversary Gala.
Ortiz, recognized during the gala for his contributions to the Make-A-Wish organization, announced his 40th wish granted would be to spend a day with Driscoll and his family. Driscoll told the Herald when you’re in Boston with Big Papi, it’s a surreal experience.
“I would definitely say I was starstruck,” Driscoll said. “It’s like walking around with the President. Every single Boston fan, even Dodger fans, were all screaming for him. He can do really whatever he wants, so it’s awesome to just hang out around a legend.”
Ortiz, in a statement, said meeting kids like Driscoll has been an honor and lauded their courage while being able to make a positive impact.
“Meeting Dom and so many other brave kids through Make-A-Wish here in Boston over the years, it’s been so meaningful to me,” Ortiz said. “They’re the true heroes and I’m thankful to be able to make things a little brighter for wish kids.”
Driscoll said his day included a few unexpected stops, including a trip inside the Red Sox clubhouse and meeting players such as Clayton Kershaw, Justin Turner and Alex Verdugo. Other stops included a walk around the field, a tour inside the Green Monster, a chance to sign Pesky Pole, lunch in the stadium and, of course, the first pitch.
Driscoll said he and Verdugo chatted in the Sox dugout, where the 14-year-old’s Home Run Derby participation was brought up.
“He was asking me all about the event, which is super cool because he’s a big leaguer and he really wanted to know more about it and was asking questions,” Driscoll said. “He also asked me if I could strike him out. I said yeah.”
Sean Holleran, the CEO of Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, lauded the Red Sox organization for assisting in the event and praised Driscoll for his perseverance and willingness to continue playing baseball.
“Dom had three open heart surgeries immediately in the first two years of his life, but he has surpassed all of those initial expectations,” Holleran said. “He is a completely driven young person, working out constantly, in the batting cage by choosing a sport that has allowed him to be active, but also take some breaks as baseball does.”
His father Bill said he and his wife Kristen decided that when Dominic was born, they would do everything not to treat him differently and to push those diagnosed limitations because they did not feel they were truly limitations to what their son could accomplish.
“Any time a kid goes out on the field, there’s a chance that something could happen and, as a parent, you’re always nervous,” Bill Driscoll said. “But you just trust God and you know that in your heart that you’re doing the right thing and you’re gonna give your kid every opportunity to fulfill his dream.”
Dominic was holding wiffle ball bats in the house since he was a little kid, Bill said, knowing that was a part of his life he and Kristen could not take away from him.
Both parents thanked Children’s Hospital and Make-A-Wish for granting Dominic with this opportunity to get a taste of the big leagues, while Holleran encouraged others to volunteer or donate to help others’ wishes come true.
“We just feel so grateful for this opportunity,” Kristen said. “This wish has been in the works for a while and just being able to be there with Dom and being able to see the look on his face as he got this experience was really amazing.”
Bill also thanked North East Baseball, the organization his son participates in, for being a second family to the Driscolls. Dominic expressed his thanks to everyone who played a part in organizing his wish but continued to mention his desire to continuously improve before he is in high school.
“I just want to get a lot better, a lot stronger and a lot faster,” he said.
Asked how he handles the expectations of setting a standard for kids with heart conditions similar to his being able to thrive athletically, Driscoll said he embraces it all and uses it as a chip on his shoulder to motivate himself.
Driscoll has also wanted to play the game he loves because others in situations similar to his, can’t. Driscoll even stitched the name of former NFL tight end Greg OIsen’s son, TJ, who also underwent heart transplants, in his uniform two years ago and donated baseballs to him, Bill said.
“As much as Dom does it for himself, he’s doing it for all those other kids,” his father continued. “So he just wants to show everyone that if you can dream it, you can do it.”
