ST. LOUIS — The press room at Busch Stadium was quieter than usual today. There were no cheers, no questions about strategy. Instead, Erick Fedde, the ace pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, sat at the microphone with a sad look in his eyes and a personal story that touched the baseball world.
“My son, Elias, has been in the hospital for months with a congenital heart defect. Every pitch I throw is a promise to him — that I will be as strong as he is fighting every day.”
While fans still see Fedde playing consistently and disciplined, few know that every evening he rushes off the field to St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where his son, Elias — just 5 years old — is being treated.
“Elias loves to watch me play. He laughs when I throw fastballs. He says if I hit 90 mph, he gets ice cream,” Fedde said, his eyes twinkling with tears.
The Fedde family has kept the details private, not because they want attention, but because they want Elias to heal in peace.
The Cardinals are now wearing armbands with the name “Elias” embroidered on them to show their solidarity with Fedde during this challenging time. Players, coaches and fans have been sending their daily prayers and support.
“Erick is not only a pillar on the field, but he is also an incredible father,” said coach Oliver Marmol. “He plays like every game is for his son, and we will always be there for him.”
Despite the pressure of the field and the constant worry about his son’s health, Fedde has never missed a game. He said playing keeps him grounded, and is the only way he can “give energy back to Elias.”
“My son is fighting with everything. I have to fight with everything. If Elias can endure the injections, the surgeries, then I can pitch better every day.”
Erick Fedde doesn’t need a trophy to prove his worth. To Cardinals fans, he is a model of strength, fatherhood, and undying faith — on the field and in life.
Let’s pray for Elias — the little guy who fights every day with the bravest heart in the world.