Stand Up and be counted

One of the most powerful moments in the game in recent memory was reserved for one of its biggest nights, a stunning display of support within the Cleveland baseball family during the All-Star Game.
On Tuesday night, the Stand Up To Cancer tribute began as it always does: a powerful, meaningful moment for so many people battling cancer and the loved ones who are supporting them in their fight. The All-Star Game is halted. The action takes a back seat. Everyone’s attention is redirected to things much more important than baseball.

But during a moment that normally is met with respectful silence, cheers began to erupt around the third-base dugout. Carlos Carrasco, the Indians’ pitcher with a playful spirit who recently revealed that he is battling chronic myeloid leukemia, stepped out of the dugout and stood in foul territory near third base.

Privately, Carrasco has been visiting pediatric leukemia patients at the Cleveland Clinic. But publicly, he hasn’t been too visible since he was placed on the injured list to seek treatment options and information. A video on Saturday was tweeted from the Indians’ official account of Carrasco discussing his diagnosis, and Carrasco was briefly seen in the crowd during Monday’s Home Run Derby. But for the most part, he has dealt with his diagnosis and his fight in a private manner, away from the game.

Carlos Carrasco

Carrasco, standing in foul territory, was then joined by the four Indians All-Stars — Francisco Lindor, Carlos Santana, Brad Hand and Shane Bieber — and manager Terry Francona. For the Stand Up To Cancer tribute, everyone who joined Carrasco had the name “Cookie” written on their card, where everyone in attendance can write the name of someone who is or has fought cancer.
Carrasco’s own card read, “I STAND.” A loud and lengthy standing ovation for Carrasco followed in what was one of the most powerful moments possible in any baseball stadium. It was a moment of strength and support, and it reached far beyond the six individuals standing near third base.
“It’s a message. It’s a message to let him know we stand up for you, we’re all next to you,” Lindor said. “As a team, as a family, we’re all next to you and we’re right there for you. It doesn’t matter. We all believe in him. We all believe he’s gonna kick cancer’s butt and he’ll be fine. At the end of the day, let him know, ’We’re here for you, bro.

Bieber turned in a tremendous fifth inning to earn All-Star Game MVP honors in what was an unforgettable night for him and his family. But standing up there with Carrasco, and the home crowd standing to salute him and his fight, was something truly powerful. Bieber won MVP, but Carrasco walking out onto the field was the night’s top moment and on a much grander scale.
“I think it was extremely special for me, for him, for our teammates, for Terry, and the city of Cleveland as a whole,” Bieber added. “I think that was a really special moment. And for him to be doing what he’s doing and kind of turning it over on its head into a positive light and spending more time at the Children’s Hospital and spending time with kids, it’s something only he would do.”

“And he’s a really special person. I’ve only known him for a year, year-plus and he’s — I said this earlier — but he’s one of the best people I’ve ever met in my life. Nothing but respect for him and we’re standing with him and love him.”

Bieber, Lindor and Hand all said that there weren’t many words spoken. They let the moment’s power speak for itself. But they did remind Carrasco of the love he has from his baseball family.
″[Carrasco] said, ‘Thank you, guys. I love you,’” Lindor said. “We told him, ‘We love you brother. We’re here for you. No matter what happens, we’re here for you because you’ve been there for us in the past.’”