Cubs relief pitcher has perfect outing with cancer patients

Like just about every other lifelong Cubs fan, 79-year-old Sam Ensalaco has waited his whole life for the Cubs to win a World Series.

On Wednesday morning, Ensalaco was able to give one of the team's young stars, relief pitcher Neil Ramirez, a little advice on how to make it happen.

"I watch the Cubs on TV and these young guys enjoy the game," Ensalaco said. "I told him to have fun and do his best and it will happen."

Salaco, of Downers Grove, was one of several cancer patients and survivors Ramirez visited at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital's Cancer Care Center in Downers Grove.

The pitcher brought and signed hats, stuffed Clark the Cub dolls and Wrigley Field bags for the fans of all ages who greeted him in the center before he toured the hospital's oncology unit, where he met Ensalaco.

Nurse Amy Seratt, who herself is a patient battling a second round of breast cancer, also came down to meet Ramirez.

"I think it's great that he wanted to come out here and add a little light and hope to everyone's day," Seratt said. "And he couldn't be a nicer guy."

Hospital spokeswoman Lisa Parro said the Cubs partner with Advocate to regularly send Cubs players to different locations to meet patients and fans.

"We're really lucky he chose to come here today," Parro said. "He's the first Cub we've had at this location, so we're excited to have him."

Ramirez, 25, said he cherished the opportunity to bring some smiles to folks who need them.

"These people have real concerns and real struggles, so it may not mean anything to them that I play baseball," Ramirez said. "But it means a ton to me that being a baseball player allows me the opportunity to being some light and hope to their day."