Tampa Baseball Adds Nathan Maxwell Via Friends of Jaclyn Foundation
TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa baseball program held a ceremony for 9-year old Nathan Maxwell on Tuesday evening, as he signed with the Spartans and spent time with players and coaches.
Maxwell, who is currently 9 years old, was diagnosed at age 5 with grade 2 Astrocytoma. Nathan has completed nearly 2 years of chemotherapy followed by radiation. He continues to play baseball and has even been given the nickname of "Baseball."
After meeting the coaches and team at the University of Tampa Baseball Field on Tuesday, Maxwell and his new teammates went to the conference room at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center for the signing. Head coach Joe Urso provided Maxwell with a national letter of intent (NLI) that was signed.
After being introduced to his new teammates, Maxwell went to the locker room and was presented a locker with his name on it. He was also presented a jersey with the number-3, representing his favorite number. He becomes the first player since Tino Martinez to wear number 3 as the number is retired.
He was presented with an array of national championship merchandise and full baseball apparel and finished the evening with cake and an opportunity to meet with his new teammates.
In addition to the UT Baseball coaching staff and student-athletes, the head of Friends of Jaclyn Foundation was also on hand to explain the program. Nathan's grandmother also spoke about Nathan's condition to the group.
"It was eye-opening for all of us to see this 9-year old kid who has been through so much, yet sitting there with a huge smile," says head coach Joe Urso. "All of our guys realize that a tough day in their eyes is not really a tough day. We are excited to have a new family member and look forward to filling that relationship with him. He will love this group of guys who are going to be like big brothers to him."
Nathan will continue to meet with team and be a welcome member of the program. He will attend practices and games, as well as other team functions that fit within his schedule.
"It was really interesting to see how he deals with his condition," says junior shortstop Jacob Tillotson. "We saw how lucky we are to not have to deal with anything like that. I just hope that we make him feel like he's at home and a part of the team. Hopefully we can be like big brothers to him."
More information on the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation may be found by visiting friendsofjaclyn.org.
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Junior Giovanny Alfonzo also posted the following message via Instagram.
