NEW YORK -- By the time Enrique Abreu-Ramos learned he was headed to the 2017 All-Star Game presented by MasterCard, slated for July 11 at Marlins Park in Miami, he'd already lived a dream day.
That was Abreu-Ramos' wish, to see the best players in the world, in person, on the same field at one time. He called it "the ultimate experience," an experience, he learned Thursday as part of a whirlwind day at Citi Field, he'd live this summer courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Major League Baseball.
A 16-year-old sophomore from Regis High School in New York City, Abreu-Ramos has spent much of the past two years battling lymphoma, struggling through the physical and emotional hurdles such a diagnosis imposes on anyone, regardless of age. But his situation is particularly unlucky. An outdoors enthusiast who enjoys baseball, basketball and soccer, Abreu-Ramos was diagnosed at age 14.

"Some days you might not feel good," Abreu-Ramos said Thursday, standing on the edge of the Citi Field infield, a smile now stapled to his face. "But I knew it would be over soon. As long as I mentally knew I was going to be OK, and didn't give up hope, it would be alright. I didn't give up hope."
That courageous outlook made Abreu-Ramos a perfect candidate for Make-A-Wish, the nonprofit that arranges unique experiences for children with life-threatening medical conditions. Make-A-Wish arranged for Abreu-Ramos to spend the day at Citi Field, telling him it was to celebrate the organization's anniversary, called World Wish Day.
It turned into a day of more reveals and surprises.

Abreu-Ramos spent the early morning touring the Mets' clubhouse, dugout and batting cage, even receiving a batting lesson from hitting coach Kevin Long. He was greeted with smiles and handshakes from a constant stream of Mets, passing by on their way through their daily pregame routines.
Josh Edgin arrived with a grin and an open hand. Jacob deGrom, Abreu-Ramos' favorite Mets player, did the same. Then Matt Reynolds, Curtis Granderson, Juan Lagares and Rene Rivera. The catcher came equipped with some news.
"You're going to be throwing the first pitch today," Rivera said. "I'll be there to catch it."
Abreu-Ramos' eyed widened with shock. For a few moments, he stood speechless.
"This is a dream come true," he finally said.
Abreu-Ramos spent the rest of the morning soaking in the behind-the-scenes vibe from field level. He tried on a pair of Yoenis Cespedes' batting gloves. He peppered Granderson with questions. He wandered over to the visitor's dugout and met Bartolo Colon.
Just before the Mets and Braves began the finale of a rain-shortened two-game series, Abreu-Ramos jogged out toward the mound. He still had no idea his journey, which has seen its dark days, would include the Miami sun.
Then Mets public address announcer Alex Anthony introduced Abreu-Ramos to the crowd, and revealed, in a grand fashion, that the boy with the baseball in his hand would be heading to the All-Star Game as well.
A dream come true, indeed.