Flyers 13U player meets Padres closer with diabetes

When PF Flyers 13U player Brian Westbrook Jr. was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in November, his family and coaches looked for athletes who have successfully navigated baseball despite the challenges of the disease.

That search led them to San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller.

Miller, now one of the best closers in baseball, was struggling with fatigue and poor performance as a college sophomore in Division III when a chance blood test revealed he had Type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition where the pancreas can no longer make insulin. This causes fatigue, losing weight, irritability and other symptoms.

Once Miller began managing the disease, he added muscle and velocity and ended up being drafted in the third round.

That’s the kind of inspiration Westbrook’s family and coaches were looking for.

Despite the challenges that come Type I diabetes, Westbrook loves baseball and wants to compete at the highest level.

So Westbrook connected with Miller on social media. Miller has made a point to support young people dealing with Type 1 diabetes. He began offering Westbrook encouragement and advice about managing life, baseball and Type 1 diabetes.

On Monday, Westbrook was able to meet Miller in person before the Padres played the Reds at Great American Ball Park.

Westbrook said that Miller told him to “just keep going and don’t stop.”

“It feels good knowing that someone is having the same problems as me and that’s boosted my confidence to be like him,” Westbrook said.