Inspirational little boy to throw out 1st pitch on Phillies Opening Day

WILMINGTON, Del. (WPVI) -- Phillies fans are getting ready for Opening Day, including a very special boy who will be throwing out the first pitch on Monday.

Nemours A.I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington is one of the sponsors for the Phillies Opening Day. So they chose one of their star patients to be a part of the ceremony.

8-year-old Kyle Shanahan of Warrington is getting ready.

With his dad, he's been loosening up and practicing his pitch... and he's giving it a lot of thought.

"I think I am going to do a change-up," he says.

Kyle has been a huge Phillies fan ever since he started watching baseball.

His dad, Kyle Sr., tells us, "When they went to the World Series in '08, he knew all the players, he was 2-years-old, he knew everybody."

And during his time at Nemours A.I. duPont Hospital he's gotten to meet a lot of the players.

Kyle was born with Spina Bifida - a birth defect where the spinal column doesn't form properly.

He also has Hydrocephalus, which is fluid on the brain.

He's had about 17 surgeries. He needs braces to support his legs, and is getting fitted for a wheelchair for longer distances.

But his parents say his physical limitations don't slow him down, or get him down.

His mom, Christi, tells us, "It doesn't, no; doesn't faze him at all. It's all he's really ever known."

"Kyle is the most fun, caring child you'd ever want to meet."

That's why Kyle was a perfect choice to help the Phillies start the season. He tells me he's excited, but also, "I'm kind of nervous. I'd be nervous too but I'm sure they'll take good care of you. Because a bunch of fans sitting there."

There will be a lot of fans, but I'm sure they'll be cheering for Kyle. He'll be joined by two others also throwing first pitches.

Kyle faces many more surgeries throughout his life. His mother reminds other women, taking folic acid during your child-bearing years is the best way to help prevent Spina Bifida.

Opening Day ceremonies start a little after 2pm on Monday. Kyle will throw his pitch at 3pm.