Cancer survivor Super Cade’s "Did you know Aaron Judge was adopted?" conversation still gives ex-Royals WS champ goosebumps
Former Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer had interacted with Cade Spinello, aka "Super Cade," a teenage cancer survivor, which still gives him goosebumps. Cade mentioned Aaron Judge's adoptive status, and the 2016 World Series winner was surprised to know about the empathy of the young man.
Spinello is known as Super Cade due to him battling a brain tumor and stroke at a young age. He is a source of inspiration for several athletes, particularly Skip Schumacher in the MLB and Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen in the NFL.
Hosmer too had an interaction with the teenager when he was playing with the San Diego Padres. The former All-Star recounted it on Wednesday's episode of his "Diggin' Deep Podcast," featuring Schumacher as the guest.
"I remember one time in San Diego, he [Super Cade] talked to the team, and then he would hang out during spring training, after practice," Hosmer said. "I was talking to him after ground balls one time, and he's just like, 'Man, did you know Aaron Judge is adopted?'
"He goes, 'Man, that must have been so hard for him, his upbringing.''I'm just looking at him, and I'm like, 'Dude, you're amazing, man!' I get goosebumps thinking about it right now, but little conversations like that with him just literally slowed down time," Hosmer said. [53:10]
What impressed Hosmer is that Super Cade was more concerned about Aaron Judge, a healthy athlete than himself, who has suffered numerous ailments at a young age.
Aaron Judge indeed was adopted. Wayne and Patty Judge adopted him a day after his birth. Details about his biological parents are unknown. Nonetheless, the New York Yankees captain had a good childhood with his adoptive parents, who are teachers.
Skip Schumacher credits Super Cade's parents for their son's fighting spirit
Skip Schumacher met Super Cade after the death of Jessie Rees, a girl in his community. Cade was Rees' chemo buddy. Unfortunately, Rees lost her battle with cancer. Jessie Rees Foundation - NEGU was created in her honor, and Cade is one of its best supporters.
The acronym NEGU stands for "never ever give up," and Schumacher has it tattooed on his hand. Moreover, NFL quarterbacks Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes have NEGU necklaces. Per Schumacher, Super Cade's parents deserve praise for their son's fighting spirit.
"They raised him the right way, and there were no shortcuts, even with Cade," Schumacher said. "Even though he was going through everything, man, they just kept pushing, like, 'You're on your own, you're doing this for [yourself], you know, X, Y and Z.'
"They put him in sports, put him in baseball, basketball, and football, and he's doing these combines with these crazy quarterbacks. It just shows you the parents did an amazing job." [54:08]
As for Schumacher, he recently parted ways with the Marlins after a disastrous season. He had won the Manager of the Year Award the previous year. Considered one of the best in the business, Schumacher will likely be snatched up by MLB teams for the 2025 season.