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

Jul 29, 2020

Baltimore Superfan Mo Gaba www.theGrio.com — (Image via USA Today)

The Baltimore professional sports community is in mourning after one of their biggest fans died at a young age.

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.

Our most dedicated fan is forever with us in our Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/usFYQk7s0p
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) July 28, 2020

“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.

Absolutely heartbroken by the passing of Mo Gaba, a bright light who brought joy to all who knew him and hope to everyone who heard his story. Our prayers go out to his family and loved ones. #MoStrong pic.twitter.com/O30flCokGo
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) July 29, 2020

Forever #MoStrong 🖤

Thank you, Mo, for sharing your joy and contagious laughter with the team and all the countless memories we will never forget. pic.twitter.com/3JDifNIMmh
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) July 29, 2020

One of our amazing ambassadors, Mo Gaba, passed away yesterday after a long battle with cancer. He was a superfan of the @Orioles and, as you can tell from this video, of the @Ravens too. Thanks for being a champion for children’s hospitals, Mo. We'll always be forever #MoStrong. https://t.co/FXThGwRba6
— Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (@CMNHospitals) July 29, 2020

In 2019, Gaba– who was blind– became the first person to announce an NFL draft pick in Braille.

Meet our friend, Mo.

Mo will become the first person ever to announce an NFL draft pick in Braille. pic.twitter.com/5nMPpifA8t
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 24, 2019

“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.

.@Lj_era8 opens his press conference with his condolences to Mo Gaba's family. 💜 pic.twitter.com/XnNofMtAyJ
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 29, 2020

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