It's funny sometimes how life comes full circle and how one act of kindness can go a long way. Little did Chase Utley know, when he met then-10-year-old Devin Smeltzer, he would be meeting a future cancer survivor and a teammate.
Smeltzer, from Voorhees, New Jersey, and a graduate of Bishop Eustace Preparatory School in Pennsauken, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 9 and not only beat it, but went on to become a fifth-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he is a pitcher in their organization.
Utley took a moment out of his day to sign an autograph for a youngster who was battling cancer at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia and then was reunited with him as professional baseball players in the same organization.
SportsNet LA captured the moment on its "Backstage Dodgers" program and posted the video to its Twitter page.
Hear about the incredible story of #Dodgers minor leaguer @alka_SMELTZer who survived cancer at the age of 9 and his special connection with a current Dodger.
This story & more on an all-new #BackstageDodgers tonight after the post-game show. pic.twitter.com/76ZKaB5xtp— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) March 30, 2018
As Dave Roberts said in the video, "That's just Chase being Chase."
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In partnership with NBC Sports Philadelphia
It sure is.
