Angels Catcher Logan O'Hoppe Wears Chest Protector Featuring Drawings from Children's Hospital Patients

Mar. 15, 2025

Logan O’Hoppe on Aug. 16, 2024.Photo:John Cordes/Icon Sportswire/AP

John Cordes/Icon Sportswire/AP

Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe was sporting an extra special chest protector during the MLB’s Player’s Weekend.

O’Hoppe, 24, played the Angels' three games in Anaheim, Calif. against the Atlanta Braves wearing the signatures and drawings from patients going through cancer treatments at the Miller’s Children’s Hospital.

Before debuting his custom equipment at the game, O’Hoppetoldreporters, includingMen’s Journal, “We had the kids sign and draw pictures on it and then they wrote their names on the inside."

“It’s going to be a cool weekend and hopefully it gives them all something to smile about,” he continued. “I’m happy that they’re giving us an opportunity to bring light to a lot of things we care about.”

The sweet gesture to honor patients at the hospital fighting cancer served as a nod to O’Hoppe’s father, who celebrated becoming two-years free of cancer at his son’s road game against the New York Yankees on Aug. 7, according to theMLB.

The O’Hoppe family went big for their celebration of Michael O’Hoppe, gathering 350 of their friends at Yankee Stadium near where Logan grew up on Long Island as a big fan of the New York baseball team.

Dr. Oscar Lahoud, who grew close to the O’Hoppe family while treating Michael at Memorial Sloan Kettering, was the family’s guest of honor during the game. “It’s a true privilege,” Dr. Lahoud toldMLB.com, emphasizing “how tight of a family nucleus” the O’Hoppes are as a unit.

“It’s really quite amazing. And Logan hasn’t changed over the years, even after becoming the superstar he is today,” Dr. Lahoud added.

Logan O’Hoppe on Aug. 17, 2024.John Cordes/Icon Sportswire/Getty

John Cordes/Icon Sportswire/Getty

Also speaking to MLB on Aug. 7, Michael said it’s a “blessing” to be able to celebrate being two years free of cancer with his family at Yankee Stadium. “Not too long ago, I didn’t know if I’d be here or not,” Michael said. “So to have my friends and family and the doctor who saved my life and his staff here, it means everything. I’m just beyond blessed and grateful.”

Logan told the MLB that is was “terrifying” when his father was diagnosed. “But it taught us a lot about life and really put things in perspective. Like when you go through that, it seems that baseball doesn’t matter as much.”

“Obviously, he’s cured now and wouldn’t want to go through it again, but definitely grateful for the lessons we learned,” the Angels catcher shared.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

source: people.com