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Yankees’ World Series gift to teen battling cancer turns ugly fan interference moment into ‘unexpected’ night

yankees’-world-series-gift-to-teen-battling-cancer-turns-ugly-fan-interference-moment-into-‘unexpected’-night
Yankees’ World Series gift to teen battling cancer turns ugly fan interference moment into ‘unexpected’ night

It was 1 p.m. on Wednesday when Jacquelyn Teel was able to send her three sons a text she never expected.

“I texted the boys, I knew they were in school, and I was like, ‘Guys, we’re going to the World Series.’ I couldn’t believe it,” Teel told The Post in between innings on Wednesday night.

Teel is the mother of 15-year-old Calvin Young who is battling pediatric cancer and was given front row tickets on the right field line at Yankee Stadium by the team after it banned the previous buyers of the seats for ripping a ball out of Mookie Betts’ glove in Game 4. 

The family which got the seat s of the two fans who stripped the ball from Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seats during the first inning.

Calvin Young and his family got their long-awaited night out at Yankees Stadium on Wednesday. Jason Szenes / New York Post

The plan to invite Young and his family – his mother and brothers Trevor and Everett – only came together hours before first pitch in The Bronx and helped turn an unfortunate story into a heartwarming one. 

Young, who hails from Bergenfield, New Jersey, called it “fun” and “a really great thing” when he spoke with The Post near his seats along the right field line. 

“Just being able to see a couple of home runs in the first couple of innings,” Young said about his favorite moments of the night that ended in a heartbreaking 7-6 Yankees defeat. 

“It feels more special [with how important this game is] than just to come to a World Series. It’s fun with the nature of it. It’s way better than I thought it would be.” 

Everett Teel-Young sits with his mother, Jacquelyn Teel and brothers Calvin and Trevor, during batting practice before Game 5

Everett Teel-Young sits with his mother, Jacquelyn Teel and brothers Calvin and Trevor, during batting practice before Game 5. AP

Young was diagnosed with DSRCT Sarcoma in June of 2023 completely turning the family’s world upside down. 

Young has been undergoing treatment as a patient of the pediatric sarcoma team at Memorial Sloan Kettering. 

The 15-year-old was originally supposed to take part in a “Kids Only” press conference at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 13 as part of a group of 80 kids battling cancer who would be able to ask questions to several players. 

Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers makes a catch on a foul ball by Gleyber Torres #25 of the New York Yankees as fans rip the ball out of his glove during the first inning.

Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers makes a catch on a foul ball by Gleyber Torres #25 of the New York Yankees as fans rip the ball out of his glove during the first inning. Jason Szenes / New York Post

Young had gotten sick while he was making his way from his car to the stadium and was unable to attend the press conference or game, and was later admitted back into the hospital and underwent surgery, according to a Yankee press release. 

“Never would I ever expected to come to a World Series. Not only with Calvin, but with Calvin, Trevor and Everett,” Teel said. “It was amazing. … It’s not something I expected. I thought maybe next season or when Calvin was better. Completely incredible and amazing.”


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It was the first time all four family members had been able to go to a Yankees game together since Young was diagnosed. 

“It’s been a while since we have been able to do something as a family, so it’s pretty incredible for all four of us,” Teel said. 

The family has launched a GoFundMe to help offset some of the costs for Young’s treatments. 

Young has been progressing in the right direction, Teel indicated, and the family has been given good news in three previous test results.

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