Sick Boy's Telerobotic First-Pitch at Yankees-A's Game Both Touching, Incredible

For one moment, Nick LeGrande got to feel like a kid again.

Forced to stay indoors with a rare blood disease, Nick was able to throw out the first pitch prior to Wednesday's game between the New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics.

What makes it even more remarkable is the fact that Nick threw it from Kansas City.

How was it done? According to the Associated Press (via ESPN), all it took was a little bit of technology.

"

LeGrande and his family, including parents Mike and Shari, were taken to a mini baseball stadium. It was constructed by Google at its Kansas City offices -- a location close to LeGrande's home and Children's Mercy Hospital, where he receives treatment. Nick's friends, doctors and former teammates were all set to be in attendance.

At the same in the Bay Area, a telerobotic pitching machine was placed on the pitcher's mound at the Oakland Coliseum to follow the teen's movements. The technology allowed LeGrande to simultaneously throw the pitch and watch it happen from afar.

"

Talk about modern technology.

Prior to the game it was noted that Nick had no clue he was throwing out the first pitch.

"

So this just happened: 13-yr-old Nick LeGrande (w/ glove) just learned he’s throwing #NicksFirstPitch in 45 minutes!! twitter.com/ChildrensMercy…

— Children's Mercy(@ChildrensMercy) June 13, 2013"

Then when it came time for the pitch, the Oakland faithful stood and cheered for the little boy.  

"

Great first pitch from Nick LeGrande, and a standing ovation from the Coliseum crowd. Really neat. #Athletics

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) June 13, 2013"

Rightfully so, the brave young boy became an instant celebrity, and his first official post-pitch interview was handled just like he was a real major leaguer:

"

A star is born. Then hugged and heckled by his big brothers. #NicksFirstPitch g.co/nicksfirstpitch twitter.com/ChildrensMercy…

— Children's Mercy(@ChildrensMercy) June 13, 2013"

It's a great piece of technology and something MLB should consider working with in concurrence with Google in the future.

This is a moment that Nick LeGrande, his family and many baseball fans across the country will never forget. Here's hoping more deserving children are afforded the same opportunity.