Teen Battling Cancer Throws Out First Pitch At Mets Game

SOUTHOLD, NY — For the many who have been rallying to help Dylan Newman, a 14-year old from Southold fighting cancer, his beloved baseball cap is a familiar sight.

Dylan loves playing baseball with his hometown team in Southold, where his #5 has become synonymous with his inner grit, fortitude, and upbeat spirit — and so it was a joy for all who love him to see the teen at Citi Field this weekend, throwing out the first pitch for the New York Mets Saturday night, where the team bested the Philadelphia Phillies 10 to 5.

The forever memory was set up by Andres Puerta and Jonathan Ochoa from the New York Mets, said his dad Todd Newman.

"Dylan was very excited to get back on the field again," his father said.

Newman said he was also thrilled to share the experience with his son. "They asked me to catch for him. I could not be more proud of him. He is a class act. He even tipped his cap like a true baseball player to say 'thank you.' That’s what makes me proud."

The whole community has opened its hearts for Dylan, with a series of fundraisers, including, this weekend, a Kait's Angels yard sale to benefit him and Matthew Rolle, a young dad also battling cancer. A "Team Dylan #5 Fundraiser" was held for Dylan, currently undergoing chemo sessions and surgeries, at Claudio's recently.

Other events, packed with a caring community, have included a "Dash for Dylan" fundraiser in June that brought more than 400 to the Southold Junior/Senior High School gym. An army of angels also teamed up to "Pack The Shack" at another fundraiser, "Food For A Cause," held in June at The North Fork Shack.

A YouCaring page, "Team Dylan, #5" has been set up for Dylan, who's "full of love and life. He loves his sports — especially baseball!" the page says. "He has an amazing family that loves him more than he could ever know and the greatest friends that will always have his back."

However, their family was hit with devastating news. "This boy has been thrown a real curve ball," the page says. "Our #5 is 'In It To Win It' but will need our support."

The goal is to raise funds to help Dylan, along with his parents, Todd and Tanya, and sister Kelsey with the financial burdens they will endure as Dylan receives treatment in New York City. To donate, click here.

Todd Newman said his whole family is grateful for outpouring of caring from a devoted community.

"We have an army behind us to beat this," he said. "This community has been so good to us."

And, Newman said, when his son emerges victorious from his battle, they plan to spend a lifetime giving back all the love their family has received. "When all this is said and done, I guarantee my son and our whole family will be giving back," he said.

His son, Newman said, is a born athlete, one of the talented eighth grade varsity baseball players in Southold. "We can't wait to get him back on that field," he said.

And on Saturday night, on a field in front of fans and supporters far and wide, the proud dad watched his son back on the field in a very big way. "He truly loves the game of baseball," Newman said.

Patch photos, video courtesy Newman family.