Valera Runs Home With A Dedicated Hit

Valera Runs Home With A Dedicated Hit

Danielle Larsen

When longtime fan, Kellen O’Connell, began attending games at five-years-old with his mother Karin, the duo wasn’t able to frequent a lot of games. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, attending games proved too tiring for Kellen at the time. But that didn’t stop his love for the team.

In 2018, the O’Connell’s got a chance to reconnect with Loons legend: Coach Shoe. “He wanted Kellen to be a bigger part of things,” Karin O’Connell said, “which has since happened. He is treated like he’s part of the team.” Throughout the years, Kellen has been able to throw first pitches, run the bases with the team, play a Miracle League game on the field of Dow Diamond and more.

“Probably the best memory was in 2019,” Karin began, “it was the playoffs and the Loons needed the win, which unfortunately they didn’t get. After the game, Kellen was brought over to see the guys and Coach Shoe, and knowing that was the end of the season, Kellen began to cry. Several of the guys and Shoe immediately gathered around him, talking to him, some of them hugging him, letting him know how much they loved him and how they were looking forward to seeing him back next season. Leo [Leonel Valera] gave Kellen his game-worn glove and Shoe gave Kellen his hat. It was an amazing moment and even brought others to tears.”

When the 2021 season was given the all-clear, every fan and Dow Diamond employee was ready to see baseball back in action as it was always meant to: Live and inside the stadium. But none were more excited than Kellen. Watching the games online until COVID-19 restrictions allowed him to come back to Dow Diamond, Kellen wanted to write his favorite player a letter. “Kellen wanted to let Leo know that we were coming. So, we sent him a message letting him know we were finally going to be there in person to watch him and the guys play!” Karin said. Little did anyone know, Valera would hit a grand slam on the first game Kellen could attend. And not just any grand slam. A hit out of the park - dedicated to Kellen.

“Kellen immediately began screaming and cheering so loudly and as Leo rounded the bases, Kellen continued to cheer.” Valera crossed home and was making his way to the dugout when he spotted the O’Connell’s cheering through it all, “He and Kellen cheered together, both throwing their arms in the air and giving each other the biggest smiles. It was the best moment.”

“The bond they have is amazing.” Karin said when referring to Valera and her son, “He makes sure to wave to Kellen when he enters the on-deck circle and they give each other air hugs. Leo refers to Kellen as his brother and every time they see each other, the smiles are so big.”

Baseball is where memories happen, and for Kellen and Valera, we hope they never end.

Leonel Valera Homerun Celebration

Elizabeth Getzinger

Kellen Cheering On His Favorite Player

Cameron Bloch