Danny Duffy draws inspiration from boy who died of cancer
As baseball observers, we often speculate what goes through the mind of a player in the midst of a brilliant performance.
After pitching 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball in the Royals 3-1 win against the Rangers on Friday night, Kansas City left-hander Danny Duffy didn’t hesitate to clue us in.
According to Pete Grathoff of the Kansas City Star, Duffy’s focus and motivation was a young fan named Liam Charles Shipley, whom he’d met months earlier at a charity calendar shoot. Recently, Duffy learned that Shipley had died at only eight years old following a battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
After the game, Duffy made it clear he was determined to honor Liam’s fight and his legacy with a memorable performance, which he most certainly delivered.
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“I just want to say one thing, not to veer away from your question, but my effort tonight was for my buddy Liam,” Duffy said. “He lost his life a while ago, about a week ago and my heart goes to the Shipleys, they’re wonderful people and I dedicate my performance tonight to Liam, that’s for sure.”
It’s noted that the cancer itself was not strong enough to beat young Liam. Rather, the effects of the chemotherapy had weakened his immune system to the point he developed a very rare fungal infection. It’s a sobering reminder of how precious and fragile life can be, just as Duffy’s interactions with Liam were a reminder of the importance to live every day we’re given to the fullest.
“He was out here playing catch with me in the outfield and asking me how to throw a change-up,” Duffy said. “Kids are just the best, man. They’re just the best. They tell it like it is. He was just a kid who was so inquisitive. I really, really enjoyed my time hanging out for him.”
Though too short, the relationship between Danny Duffy and Liam Shipley is one we should all take heed of. Two people came together and seemingly inspired each other while providing hope, joy and perspective. By honoring and remembering his friend, Duffy is attempting to push that message forward so that we’re all doing our part to live and spread a little joy every chance we get.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
