PHOENIX — Two Wisconsin boys are becoming close friends after a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Valley for Brewers spring training.
Blake Baker, 8, and Tyler Morano, 9, got to come to town last weekend with their families to hang out with the Brew Crew.
They got to swap stories with slugger Christian Yelich, have dinner with players, take batting practice in the team's hitting tunnels, and even throw out the first pitch at the first game of the spring.
"The crack of the bat, or the ball hitting the bat, so [Tyler] actually likes the sounds that baseball makes because he can hear it in his hearing aids," Tyler's mom Kristine said.
Although the two boys only live about 10 minutes away from each other, they got to meet for the first time here in Arizona.
Watch: Lifelong friendship forged by surprise trip to Brewers spring training:
Blake had a benign brain tumor removed last year, and Tyler has progressive hearing loss.
"It was really good for them to know they are not the only ones who have gone through something challenging," Blake's mom Rebecca said.
The pair left Arizona with a bunch of priceless memorabilia, including custom jackets, jerseys, autographed baseballs, and more. The families say the memories and friends they made will be remembered forever.
And as to be expected, Blake and Tyler already have asked their parents to go to a Brewers game together this summer!
Blake and Tyler's families are among the thousands of people that will visit the Valley over the next month for spring training action!
Some local business owners say their establishments see big jumps in business during spring training.
For a full guide for spring training, including ballparks, tickets, and directions, click here. Or if you're hungry and want to try a local restaurant after the game, check out our restaurant guide.
