Arlington, baseball community Stand Up to Cancer at All-Star Game
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A long-standing baseball tradition reappeared at the end of the fifth inning of the All-Star Game on Tuesday when play stopped in commemoration of a singular, poignant moment.
The Stand Up to Cancer moment has been a staple of Major League Baseball’s signature events since 2009. It brings the entire viewing audience -- everyone in the stadium and those watching at home -- together to honor friends and loved ones who are affected by cancer.
Inside Globe Life Field, players, umpires, coaches and fans were invited to hold up placards that contain the name or names of people they choose to honor, whether they’ve beaten cancer, are currently fighting the disease or have succumbed to it. The moment, supported by SU2C and Mastercard and aired live by FOX, takes place after the fifth inning of every All-Star Game and World Series Game 4
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy held several placards that read “Larry Eubanks” and “Bryce Miller.” Pitching coach Mike Maddux’s placard said, “Billy Yvette Smith.”
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred’s placard included two names: “Anthony Darcagelo” and “Kevin C.”
D-backs manager Torey Lovullo included three names, including his close friend Billy Bean. Bean played for six years in the Major Leagues and is currently MLB’s senior vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion. Bean announced his leukemia diagnosis last year.
D-backs assistant pitching coach Dan Carlson wrote “Mike Bell” on his placard honoring former Major League infielder and coach -- and brother of Reds manager David Bell -- who was lost to cancer in 2021.
Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre wrote three names: “Nancy,” “Wendy” and “Melissa.”
A’s reliever Mason Miller’s placard said, “Mom.” Guardians catcher David Fry’s said, “Dad.”
FOX announcer and Hall of Famer John Smoltz included “Samuel Hood” on his placard. His broadcast partner, Joe Davis, held up one that said, “Ober.”
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Many fans in the stands personalized their placards with the names of friends and loved ones. Others held up preprinted commemorations: “Loved ones.” “Survivors.” “Those we’ve lost.” And, “Kids in the fight.”
MLB and its 30 clubs are SU2C's founding donors, committing more than $50 million to its innovative cancer research programs.
Stand Up to Cancer is a groundbreaking initiative created to accelerate innovative cancer research and get new therapies to patients quicker. Since its inception, SU2C has announced multiple Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals for new cancer therapies supported by SU2C research.
Learn more about SU2C at StandUptoCancer.org/MLB.