New Jersey Teen's All-Star Wish Granted At Patriots Game

Bridgewater, New Jersey – On Saturday, May 4, the Somerset Patriots helped Make-A-Wish New Jersey grant the wish of 15-year-old Devan Huber of Demarest, NJ to attend the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.

Huber was the special guest of team National Advisory Board member Robb Sansone, the CEO of Fedway Capital Management and board member of Make-A-Wish New Jersey. Prior to the game at TD Bank Ballpark, Huber was on the field for the surprise reveal.

Make-A-Wish’s Senior Director of Wish Granting Jennifer Bennett told Huber’s story and his battle against Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. His wish to attend the 2024 MLB All-Star Game was about to come true when everyone’s attention was directed to the scoreboard where New York Yankees legend and Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Torre informed Huber of the news.

“Devan, I just want to let you know that your wish has been granted to go to the 2024 MLB All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas by the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” said Torre in the video. “Wow. This is a big deal, my friend and will give you a chance to root for your favorite Yankees. But have a great time, continued health and happiness. Have a ball.”

Huber reflected on the moment he heard the news, “I was so surprised by the announcement. I was not expecting that. My parents told me we were coming to see the Somerset Patriots as guests of Make-A-Wish. When we turned to the scoreboard and heard Yankees legend, Joe Torre, say my name, I was astonished! I’d heard so much about him as a Yankees fan. I can’t believe we are going to the All Star Game! I’m so excited!”

Following the announcement, Patriots players, led by the Yankees top MiLB prospect Spencer Jones, gave Huber a personalized Patriots home jersey and posed for pictures.

“I thought the night was perfect and then Spencer Jones and some of the Patriots came over. They surprised me with a Patriots jersey personalized with my name and number. The players were so nice. It was great to meet them! I can’t wait to watch them soon in the MLB. The night was magical. We then met Sparky Lyle, a Cy Young winner and World Series Champion. It ended with a Patriots win. I am so grateful to everyone at the Patriots organization, Make-A-Wish and MLB.”

Make-A-Wish New Jersey creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. In the fight against a critical illness, a wish serves as a catalyst for renewed strength and encouragement for every child and family on their journey. A wish helps kids look past their limitations, families overcome anxiety and entire communities experience joy. Most importantly, wishes can improve a child’s quality of life. We believe a single wish transforms lives.

“It’s been an honor to get to know Devan and his family during their wish journey as he has been courageously battling his critical illness,” said Make-A-Wish New Jersey’s Vice President of Mission Delivery Nicole Rivera. ”When Devan declared his wish to go to the 2024 MLB All-Star game, we knew exactly who to call to help surprise him with the news that his wish was going to be granted! We are fortunate to work with partners like MLB, the Somerset Patriots and Fedway Associates Inc., who pick up the phone each time we call and help us to put together an incredible wish reveal for kids just like Devan. At Make-A-Wish, we are committed to creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We cannot do what we do each day without our community and our partners like the Somerset Patriots.”

With their national headquarters based in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, with 57 chapters serving children in every community in the United States and its territories, and nearly 40 international affiliates. Make-A-Wish New Jersey was founded in 1983. Serving children in every municipality in the Garden State, Make-A-Wish New Jersey has granted nearly 12,000 wishes since its inception. For more information about Make-A-Wish New Jersey, call 800-252-WISH or visit nj.wish.org and discover how you can help transform lives, one wish at a time.