WACO, Texas — As fall baseball practice rolled along at Baylor on Friday, the Bears had a guest with them.
Tyler Credeur, 15, and his family visited practice as part of Baylor's participation in the annual Shriners College Classic baseball tournament in the spring.
Baylor coach Steve Rodriguez, entering his fifth season, said the Bears enjoy being able to host kids through the Shriners organization every year and help them enjoy the game of baseball, even if just for a bit.
For Tyler's family, it's a welcome distraction as he gets ready for his 17th surgery, Monday, since suffering a 90% burn last Thanksgiving.
"If I can go through this, surviving a 90% burn, 85% third-degree, then don't give up on what you think you can do," Credeur said.
His burns have left Tyler unable to play sports, as he continues to recover.
With the Shriners watching from the dugout as Tyler toured the ballpark, took batting practice and experienced everything the team does on a daily basis, his mom, Rachel Jones, was emotional because of what she said the Shriner's have done for their family.
"To see him be able to meet the athletes and all of the Shriners and everything, we're so thankful for the chance he's been given," Jones said.
Jones continued by saying she's confident, had they not wound up at Shriners Hospital in Galveston, their family would have more than $1 million in medical bills.
Baylor will open its 2019 regular season in February. The Bears will play in the 2020 Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic at Minute Maid Park in Houston Feb. 28-March 1.