Inspired By Young Cancer Patient, Rays’ Brett Phillips Launches Memorable Home Run

There are times when a sporting event can provide a platform for something much, much greater than the game itself.

That was the case Tuesday night at Tropicana Field, where the Rays defeated the A’s in 10 innings, 9-8.

It was a largely unsightly four-hour affair that included 17 bases on balls and four errors. There was a beautiful moment during the game, though, one that dominated the evening and one that will not soon be forgotten.

Brett Phillips’ home run to lead off the third inning meant so much more than simply giving his team a 6-3 lead. He knew it was a special moment, thanks to a young fan he met before the game. But as he was circling the bases, he could not have known what else was taking place under the dome.

While Phillips launched his first home run of 2022, eight-year-old Chloe Grimes and her mother, Jacquie, were being interviewed by Bally Sports Sun reporter Tricia Whitaker.

What timing!

Chloe, who is battling cancer a second time, met Phillips before the game. She got to throw out the first pitch with her favorite player on the receiving end.

“She was so full of joy and energy,” said an emotional Phillips, following the game.

Phillips showed the media gathering around his locker a softball he received from Chloe with her name on it. He shared a note the young lady wrote, thanking the outfielder for letting her throw out the first pitch.

Chloe, a St. Petersburg resident, also gave Phillips a bracelet that says, “Rally for Chloe Our Princess Warrior.”

“I told her she gave me her power, and she sure did,” said the 27-year-old Phillips, who is from nearby Seminole. “I told her I would try to do something special for her.”

That something special was a home run that never came down. The ball got stuck up in one of the dome’s catwalks.

“We should go it and give it to Chloe,” said manager Kevin Cash.

The blast to right by the left-handed hitting Phillips was estimated at 404 feet and with an exit velocity of 107.8 miles per hour.

“It is crazy that Tricia was interviewing her while I hit probably the furthest homer of my career and hardest ball I ever hit,” said Phillips. “Chloe is such an inspiration.”

Chloe, who went into Phillips’ airplane mode after the home run, was a guest of the team through the Rays’ Tuesday Champion program.

At every Tuesday home game, the Rays host a child from the Make-A-Wish Foundation or Children’s Dream Fund. Children and their families get to meet with players and coaches and be on the field for batting practice.

Earlier this month, a GoFundMe page was set up to help assist in the battle against Chloe’s thyroid cancer.

“I am praying for her and her family,” said Phillips. “It puts perspective on my career and my life and how I go about things. Going through what she’s going through, what an inspiration.”