Baltimore’s professional sports community lost an inspiration Tuesday.
Mo Gaba, the staunch young Ravens and Orioles, died after his fifth battle with cancer. Was 14 years old
Hours before his passing, the Orioles inducted Gaba into the team’s Hall of Fame as the second recipient of the Wild Bill Hagy award.
“Mo’s positive energy has been constant throughout each battle and continues to unite the entire city of Baltimore in the face of the current crisis,” the Orioles said in a statement. “His firm positivity and friendliness are qualities that all Baltimorean aspires to emulate. Mo Gaba has impacted more people in his 14 years than most people in a lifetime, and the Orioles have the honor to celebrate him forever as a member of the Orioles Hall of Fame. “
His passion made him a favorite among players; Gaba and Adam Jones (formerly of the Orioles) became close through Purple Tailgate, a Ravens pre-game fundraiser for the young man each fall. Trey Mancini, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer before spring training, took on the role of host to Jones after his departure from Baltimore and attended Gaba’s high school graduation.
“There is no one more deserving of this incredible honor than Mo,” Mancini said in a statement. Throughout his battles with cancer, Mo never lost his kind spirit, his sense of humor, or his love for the Orioles.
“Rest in peace, my friend,” Mancini tweeted. “His kindness, bravery and positivity have left a lasting impact on all of us who were lucky enough to have met him. You really have made this world a better place. We love you, Mo. “
“I just want to say my heart goes out to Mo’s parents, friends and family because he was a great kid,” Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson told reporters Wednesday. “He really couldn’t express his ability to show the world what he was made of, and I just want to say that my heart is with him. He was a great soul.”
Gaba’s first battle with cancer has blinded him since he was nine months old. In 2019, he became the first person to announce an NFL draft pick using braille.
“The world has lost a beautiful spirit and bright light. With his infectious laughter, incredible love of life, and love of sports in Baltimore, Mo captured the hearts of not only our organization, but the entire state of Maryland. “said Ravens coach John Harbaugh. he said in a statement.
Contributing: Tom Schad
Follow Chris Bumbaca on Twitter @BOOMbaca.
