March 26, 2010
TEMPE, Ariz. -
Photo Gallery of Connor Riordan and ASU Baseball
Arizona State Baseball welcomed the newest member of their team on Thursday afternoon at Winkles Field-Packard Stadium, as Connor Riordan became the newest Sun Devil. Connor, who is seven years old, was welcomed to the team with a press conference by head coach Tim Esmay, who had Connor sign his agreement letter to join the Sun Devils.
Connor was diagnosed with a brain tumor called Medulloblastoma/Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET) in January of 2006. The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, who match children that have been affected by pediatric brain tumors with college teams, were able to team up Connor with the 2010 Sun Devils. The team welcomed him with open arms, giving him his own locker in the team's clubhouse, as well as a personalized jersey.
Connor practiced with the Devils on Thursday afternoon and will throw out the first pitch on Friday as ASU opens Pac-10 play against Cal. He made fast friends with his new teammates, who have been communicating with him through his website. Team captain Raoul Torrez presented Connor with a baseball signed by the entire squad, telling Connor the ball wouldn't be complete until Connor signed it as well.
To read more about Connor's story, visit his website at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/connorriordan. For more information about the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, please visit http://www.friendsofjaclyn.org/index.php/foundation.html.