CLEVELAND — It's always been 26-year-old Peter Knab's dream to be here for this moment: At Progressive Field while his beloved Guardians are in the playoffs.
On Friday, just a few hours before Game One of the AL Wild Card Series, we met Peter to chat about what this past week has been like for him, after meeting some of his baseball heroes and sharing his incredible journey with cerebral palsy and overcoming physical challenges.
The funny thing is, as we saw fans gather in Gateway Plaza, some weren't just excited for the game. They were thrilled to see Peter.
"He's a rockstar!" one woman exclaimed.
He's also a major league inspiration. Peter's been to more than 120 games this season alone, and hundreds overall.
Last Friday, the team wanted to say thanks, so they invited him to a little pre-game practice, where he met team leaders and some of his favorite players.
Our viewers were inspired, too. In fact, one gracious woman, who saw Peter's story and how he dreamed of seeing the Guardians play in all 30 MLB ball parks, wanted to help. She didn't want her face shown -- or any recognition. But she did bring him an unforgettable gift.
"Peter, I know that you say that you don't like the attention, but the truth is you've been a great inspiration to a lot of us, and that includes me. I grew up on baseball, my mom took us to all of the games, and I saw your story, and it really did inspire me," the 3News viewer told Peter on Gateway Plaza. "I would like to give you this check for a thousand dollars to help you go to Washington, DC or wherever the next stadium is."
Peter, shocked and a bit emotional, could only say this:
"Thank you. Oh my gosh. Thank you very much. Wow. Thank you very much. I appreciate it."
Here's the thing: That was only the start of Peter's day. Just over an hour after that special surprise, he was on the mound at Progressive Field, because the Guardians asked him to throw out the first pitch at Game One.
"It's incredible to think about and I cannot believe it," Peter told us.
Guardians owner Paul Dolan told him "Good luck," as Peter's Uncle, Joe Knab, looked on:
"I'm so proud of him."
And, we know, Peter's dad was smiling down on a day no one will ever forget.
Editor's Note: The following video is from a previous report featuring Peter.
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- Inspiring Cleveland Guardians superfan Peter Knab to throw out ceremonial first pitch prior to Game 1 of AL Wild Card Series