Brett Phillips Gets Emotional Talking About Magical Mid-Game Moment With Child Cancer Patient

The Rays outfielder hit a home run while 8-year-old Chloe Grimes, who is battling cancer for the second time, gave a memorable in-game interview.

Brett Phillips said he’s “usually not at a loss of words,” but Tuesday was an exception. 

Before the game, the Rays outfielder met 8-year-old Chloe Grimes, who was diagnosed with cancer for the second time. She gave her favorite player a wristband to wear during the game against the Athletics, which happened to be a grueling one that went into extra innings, and was chosen to throw the first pitch to him. 

With Tampa Bay up by two in the bottom of the third inning, Phillips stepped up to bat while Grimes was doing an interview on the Bally Sports Sun broadcast. She told reporter Tricia Whitaker how Phillips was her favorite player, commenting that “he has the best smile.” Then, Phillips launched a homer during her interview. 

Baseball is fun and sometimes also magical 😍🥰

Don't miss this special interview with 8 year old softball player, Chloe Grimes, who's currently in her 2nd battle with cancer. pic.twitter.com/xvPWdip30R

— Bally Sports Sun: Rays (@BallyRays) April 13, 2022

“Chloe,” Whitaker said, “do you know what just happened?”

After some prompting, Grimes said, “Brett Phillips just hit a home run.”

The 8-year-old proceeded to copy Phillips’s airplane move with her arms. 

✈️ pic.twitter.com/SlfyNuKCSR

— Bally Sports Sun: Rays (@BallyRays) April 13, 2022

Getting choked up talking about meeting Grimes before the game, Phillips showed the gifts she gave him before the game, which included a signed game ball, a wristband, a note and a picture. 

“Chloe, you’re an inspiration,” Phillips said. “I think that’s the hardest ball I’ve hit in my career. I’m praying for you guys … I hope I can meet Chloe again in the future.”

He proceeded to dedicate the home run to her and commented on the “cannon” she launched for the first pitch. 

"𝘾𝙝𝙡𝙤𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣!"

Brett Phillips finds out about the magical moment that happened when Chloe was being interviewed while he hit a home run! @RaysBaseball #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/qyVy2ccumb

— Bally Sports Sun: Rays (@BallyRays) April 13, 2022

“You would never know she’s battling cancer,” Phillips said. “Just the joy and energy she brought. It’s tough but it puts my career in perspective and how I come out here every day and treat everyone with love and respect. Chloe, you add to the story, and I appreciate you.”