‘A hero in life’: Nebraska softball standout surprises Hero Day child

Hope Pinkleman is currently fighting leukemia, and she's the Baseball Village's honoree for Hero Day. During her visit, she got to meet a hero of her own.

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Omaha’s Baseball Village spent Hero Day honoring Hope Pinkleman — a 12-year-old currently battling B-cell leukemia. For months, Pinkleman’s treatment had her bedridden, but not anymore. “It’s a big deal to be able to be honored here and to be able to just be here and experience the good vibes and have fun,” Pinkleman said.As part of her celebration, Pinkleman wanted to work in the village. Organizers set her up in at a games tent, and she had no idea that one of her first customers would be a hero of her own.As an aspiring softball pitcher in Nebraska, there’s nobody Pinkleman looks up to more than Husker star Jordy Frahm.”I love watching her, and it’s my dream to be able to play a professional sport like her,” Pinkleman said. “I am just here to meet Hope and hang out with her and have a fun afternoon,” Frahm said.Frahm said Pinkleman’s story inspired her — even more than the athletes she shares the field with.”People often view them as heroes, but at the end of the day, that’s just a game,” Frahm said. “Hope here is a hero in life, just doing what she’s doing.”They spent the afternoon shopping and eating their way through the village. Incoming Husker softball assistant coach Frahm also got the chance to exercise her teaching skills with a pitching lesson. Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |

OMAHA, Neb. —

Omaha’s Baseball Village spent Hero Day honoring Hope Pinkleman — a 12-year-old currently battling B-cell leukemia. For months, Pinkleman’s treatment had her bedridden, but not anymore.

“It’s a big deal to be able to be honored here and to be able to just be here and experience the good vibes and have fun,” Pinkleman said.

As part of her celebration, Pinkleman wanted to work in the village. Organizers set her up in at a games tent, and she had no idea that one of her first customers would be a hero of her own.

As an aspiring softball pitcher in Nebraska, there’s nobody Pinkleman looks up to more than Husker star Jordy Frahm.

“I love watching her, and it’s my dream to be able to play a professional sport like her,” Pinkleman said.

“I am just here to meet Hope and hang out with her and have a fun afternoon,” Frahm said.

Frahm said Pinkleman’s story inspired her — even more than the athletes she shares the field with.

“People often view them as heroes, but at the end of the day, that’s just a game,” Frahm said. “Hope here is a hero in life, just doing what she’s doing.”

They spent the afternoon shopping and eating their way through the village. Incoming Husker softball assistant coach Frahm also got the chance to exercise her teaching skills with a pitching lesson.

Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.