Wish Comes True For Jack Sheridan

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CBA administrators, representatives from Make-A-Wish, the Sheridan family and the baseball team gather for a pregame ceremony.

On Tuesday, April 19, junior Jack Sheridan, who has been battling leukemia for the past two years, returned to the mound for the Brothers in the home opener against Chittenango. Not only was it Sheridan’s first game back wearing the purple and gold, but it was the first opportunity to see the renovated baseball field, thanks to a request Sheridan made to Make-A-Wish back in November of 2014.

Inspired by Sheridan, Make-A-Wish partnered with CBA to expand the existing baseball project to include a state-of-the art bullpen and batting cage in his honor. A new turf, dugouts, fencing, and a realigned backstop were just a few of the many improvements on the field (still a work in progress).

A bullpen and batting cage is being constructed along the right field line.

“The results of our unique collaboration, thanks to generous CBA and Make-A-Wish donors, has been nothing short of spectacular,” said Patti Callahan, Director of Development and Alumni. “Beyond the beautiful field and facilities, the hearts of so many have been touched by Jack’s selfless wish and the incredible response to it. We have made new friends among the great people at Make-A-Wish of Central New York and the entire CBA community is proud to have been a part of this special project.”

Sporting new jerseys, thanks to Make-A-Wish, the baseball team posed for photos and received a goodie bag prior to the game. A short ceremony followed in which Director of Athletics Buddy Wleklinski, Make-A-Wish Central New York President and CEO Diane Kuppermann, and Sheridan each spoke.

Members of the baseball team show off their new jerseys compliments of Make-A-Wish.

“Jack is an extraordinary young man whose wish inspired an entire community,”Kuppermann said. “Through collaboration and the generosity of many, not only is Jack’s wish for a bullpen and batting cage coming true, but so too is his entire vision for the fully renovated baseball complex. It’s been both an honor and privilege to grant Jack’s wish and to become part of the CBA community.”

An official ceremony to dedicate the field will be held on May 15 prior to the CBA-Jamesville Dewitt baseball game.

“The power of this wish has enabled me to give back to those who have lifted me, prayed for me, supported me and helped me fight each and every day since May of 2014,” Sheridan said. “These beautiful new jerseys that the Brothers will be wearing this season are gifts from Make-A-Wish, gifts that you can see. The gifts that you cannot see that are very much a part of this wish are the gifts of hope, strength, prayer and inspiration.”