The team "adopted" Adrian as part of a program run by the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, which helps place athletic teams with young people who are specifically dealing with brain tumors. On Jan. 10, 2008, Adrian was diagnosed with a right thalamic tumor which doctors have said is inoperable.
The official adoption day came on Saturday, Oct. 24, which coincided with the Fall World Series that concluded full team fall practices. The team welcomed Adrian and his parents, Brandon and Marie, with Seattle University sweatshirts, as well as a baseball cap for Adrian. Adrian ran around the bases and yelled "I made a home run!" as he touched home plate.
"I cannot believe how lucky we are to be accepted into this huge group of lovely individuals," Marie wrote in the online journal hosted by CaringBridge.org. "Adrian was a little shy when we first arrived as the guys were gathering to meet him, but that lasted about five seconds. He ran into the crowd of players and made himself right at home."
"Adrian will be a big part of our success on and off the field this entire academic year and for years to come. We are very fortunate to have him as part of our SU family," head coach Donny Harrel said.
To follow Adrian's story and send him encouragement by signing his guestbook, go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hopeforadrian.
The Seattle University baseball team returns to competition for the first time in about 25 years with a series at Washington State Feb. 20-21. The first home game is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 23, against Saint Martin's at Bannerwood Park in Bellevue starting at 4 p.m.