PEORIA, Ill. – The Bradley Braves Baseball team had a meaningful and emotional weekend, honoring the legacy of Mitch Janssen and continuing their commitment to fighting pediatric cancer through the Vs. Cancer Foundation.
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On Friday, April 11, the Braves hosted the Mitch Janssen Memorial Game, welcoming Mitch's parents, Steve and Stephanie, along with his brother, Justin, to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. A former standout pitcher, Janssen graduated from Bradley in 2019 with a career 4.34 ERA—including a dominant 2.06 ERA during his senior season. In 2018, he became the youngest pilot in the world certified to fly the Embraer Phenom 100 jet. Tragically, he passed away in a plane crash on March 3, 2020. The Braves continue to honor his legacy through this annual tribute.
Then on Sunday, April 13, Bradley held its annual Vs. Cancer Game, where the team's efforts in raising funds and awareness took center stage. A special moment came when Tucker, a young boy who has bravely battled cancer, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to a warm ovation.
This season, the Braves raised over $13,000 for the Vs. Cancer Foundation, once again finishing as the top fundraising team in the nation. Their cumulative efforts have now totaled $166,000 all-time, supporting children battling pediatric brain tumor cancer—the deadliest and most common form of childhood cancer.
To cap the day, the team participated in their annual head-shaving tradition as a show of solidarity with children undergoing treatment.
