Baltimore sports superfan Mo Gaba,14, dies after battle with cancer
Mo Gaba was inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame just hours before his death
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The Baltimore professional sports community is in mourning after one of their biggest fans died at a young age.
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Mo Gaba, a superfan of the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens, has passed away on Tuesday at age 14 after battling cancer for the fifth time. USA Today reports the teenager was inducted into the Orioles team Hall of Fame as the second recipient of the Wild Bill Hagy award just hours before his death.
“Mo’s positive energy has been constant throughout every battle and continues to bring the entire city of Baltimore together in the face of ongoing crisis,” the Orioles said in a statement to USA Today.
They continued, “his unwavering positivity and kindness are qualities every Baltimorean aspires to emulate. Mo Gaba has impacted more people in his 14 years than most people do in an entire lifetime, and the Orioles are honored to forever celebrate him as a member of the Orioles Hall of Fame.”
The hashtag #MoStrong chronicles an outpouring of support and condolences on social media from teams, players, fellow fans, and Maryland Governor Larry Hogan.
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In 2019, Gaba– who was blind– became the first person to announce an NFL draft pick in Braille.
“The world has lost a beautiful spirit and a shining light. With his infectious laugh, amazing love of life and love of Baltimore sports, Mo captured the hearts of not only our organization, but the entire state of Maryland,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement to USA Today.
During his latest press conference, star quarterback Lamar Jackson offered condolences for Gaba.
“My heart is with Mo’s parents, friends, and family because he was a great kid,” he remarked before answering media questions.
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