Local Hopkinton boy will play in the Big League at the Jimmy Fund Fantasy Day

9-year-old Nolan Kelly steps up to the plate at Fenway on July 18th

May 20, 2009

When Cheryl Kelly purchased her ticket for the Jimmy Fund Fantasy Day "Ultimate Fan Experience" — a day of contests, a kid zone, tours, photo opportunities, and a skills zone at Fenway Park — she never dreamed she would win the ultimate prize, a chance to step up to the plate and hit a home run. Kelly, in turn, gave her prize to her 9-year-old son, Nolan.

Cheryl Kelly, who has always been a big supporter of the Jimmy Fund, purchased tickets back in May and was automatically entered into a drawing for a batting package that includes 15 pitches to swing at from home plate, a warm-up session in the batting cages, an announcement when at bat, one's name on the scoreboard, an official Boston Red Sox Jersey and hat, and many more commemorative items.

This will be Nolan's first Fantasy Day. However, he has plenty of baseball experience. Nolan is now in his third year playing Hopkinton Little League baseball. He does not have a designated position, but he loves second base because his favorite player is Dustin Pedroia.

The Jimmy Fund Fantasy Day takes place July 18th at Fenway Park. The gates will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ultimate Fan Experience tickets are $25 per person for those 12 and over, $15 for children ages 3 to 11 and free for children under three. Family Packages are also available. There are limited spaces left for the fielding and batting packages, which range from $50 to $200, with a fundraising minimum of $700 to $1800, respectively. The event rain date is July 19th.

Committed fans taking part in Jimmy Fund Fantasy day have raised nearly $6 million since it began in 1992. To purchase tickets and find additional information, go to www.jimmyfundfantasyday.org. Purchase your Ultimate Fan Experience tickets by July 10 and you could also win a chance to take the field at Fenway Park on Jimmy Fund Fantasy Day, just like Nolan.