One Last Hit

One of the better stories you'll ever read. John Challis, an 18-year-old senior at Freedom High School in Pennsylvania is dying of cancer and has about two months to live. One of Challis' final wishes was to have an at bat in a league game.

On April 14, Challis got his wish. He came up to the plate, smacked the ball into right field and somehow made it to first. Challis got a single and an RBI.

This ran in a piece this Sunday by the Pittsburgh Post Gazette's Mike White. It's a great piece and a great story and I recommend that everyone check it out.

Here are some of the highlights:

"Sometimes I cry, but people cry for all different kinds of reasons," he said. "Sometimes I just want to know why, but I think I figured that out. God wanted me to get sick because he knew I was strong enough to handle it. I'm spreading His word and my message. By doing that, I'm doing what God put me here to do.

"It took me about a half year to figure all that out. Now, when I'm able to truly believe it, it makes it easier on me. And when you know other people support what you're thinking, it makes it easier."

When asked where he gained his wisdom, he answered, "Through cancer."

"I used to be afraid, but I'm not afraid of dying now, if that's what you want to know," he said. "Because life ain't about how many breaths you take. It's what you do with those breaths."

Just a great story about a brave young man.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Teen Is Running Out Of Innings, But The Game Isn't Over

Sports By Brooks: Cancer-stricken Baseball Player Gets One Last Hit

Deadspin: Perfect Game