George Evans had the opportunity of a lifetime as he stepped up to the mound to throw the first pitch at the Athletics game against the Houston Astros last summer in West Sacramento. At that moment, he was also hitting a home run for prostate cancer awareness.
Evans, a UC Davis Health patient, has been a longtime A’s fan after moving to Northern California from Los Angeles, where he met his wife, Yvonne. The retired grandfather of three said he and his wife were thrilled to be invited onto the field.
“I couldn’t believe I’d get the opportunity to throw the first pitch at an A’s game while bringing awareness to prostate cancer,” said Evans, who played baseball in high school. “I think it is especially important to share that African American men suffer significantly higher rates of the disease.”
Indeed, Black men are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age and with more aggressive, advanced-stage prostate cancer. They are also twice as likely to die from prostate cancer.
That cancer burden is what encouraged Evans to join a support group specifically for African American men.
Evans is one of the lucky ones
“Cancer changed my life,” said Evans. “I met so many supportive people and went from a person with cancer to a person who is cancer-free.”
Minutes before the ballgame, Evans, in a green jersey with “Athletics” emblazoned on the front, made his way to the edge of the dirt mound closest to home plate. The right-hander tossed the first pitch toward the plate, into the glove of third base coach Eric Martins.
Evans triumphs over cancer
The 70-year-old was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022 and treated at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center by Marc Dall’Era, chief of the Department of Urologic Surgery.
Evans fought and beat the cancer with the help of a series of radiation treatments. He said he’s feeling great now.
“I knew George would be the perfect representative for prostate cancer patients and survivors. He has a zest for life and a passion for bringing awareness to the disease,” said Dall’Era, who added that 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
A’s visit UC Davis Children’s Hospital
A’s players also visited the Panda Cares room at UC Davis Children’s Hospital last summer. A’s players Darell Hernaiz, Brett Harris and Lawrence Butler hit a grand slam with pediatric patients when they presented a Nintendo Switch handheld gaming console to the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department. The donation was possible thanks to the Major League Baseball (MLB) partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation.
All 30 MLB clubs received Nintendo Switch handhelds from Starlight for donation to pediatric cancer hospitals or nonprofits in their local communities across the country.
The gaming console is available for any pediatric patient staying at UC Davis Children’s Hospital and can be brought to a patient’s bedside.
Diana Sundberg, manager of the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department, said the visit by the A’s players spotlighted the healing power of joy.
“When A’s players walked through our doors and gifted the Starlight Nintendo Switch, they didn’t just bring a gaming console. They brought smiles, laughter and a sense of normalcy to children facing incredibly tough battles,” Sundberg said. “We’re deeply grateful for MLB and the Starlight Children’s Foundation for helping us create brighter days for our patients, one game at a time.”
