The school year got off to a huge bang for 11-year-old Daniel Rodriguez, who was surprised at school by Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras.

According to The Chicago Tribune, Contreras stopped by Enger School in Franklin Park, Ill. on Thursday to visit Daniel, his “best friend” who happens to have Down syndrome, as well as about 60 other students who have special needs.

During the visit, Contreras dished out high fives, hugs and autographs in addition to spending some special time with Daniel.

Contreras and Daniel became fast friends in January of 2017 when they met during one of Contreras’s visits to Advocate’s Children Hospital, where Daniel was hospitalized at the time.

Shortly after that, the two crossed paths again during spring training in Mesa, Arizona, where Daniel spent his 10th birthday as a VIP touring the dugout and receiving a personalized jersey. Believe it or not, Contreras knocked one out of the park in front of Daniel during his first at bat.

“Meeting my friend, two years ago we became best friends,” Contreras told The Chicago Tribune. “Like he talks about me, I talk about him to my friends. Every time I see him smile … that makes my day.”

 

 

Of course, the relationship means so much to Willson and Daniel, but it also means the world to Daniel’s parents.

“It has truly made his year,” his father, Will Rodriguez, said. “All he does is talk about his best friend, Willson. So for Willson to come to make his day, I can’t thank you enough.”

As it turns out, the budding friendship makes perfect sense since the two are so similar, according to Daniel’s pediatrician, Dr. Cathy DiVincenzo.

“When I first heard about the relationship between Daniel and Willson, I thought to myself, ‘How could you be so lucky and have a friend like this?’ Daniel shares a lot of things with Willson and the Cubs,” she said. “They are hard workers, and they never give up, and they are champions.”

What a pair.