T.J. Andrews’ 11th birthday is likely one that we won’t soon forget.

Since April 1, T.J. has been a patient at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Fla., recovering from an accident that injured his hand.

A huge baseball fan and a member of Bainbridge Bearcats travel team, T.J. was surprised for his birthday by a couple of major league baseball players—and has formed a special bond in the process.

On April 17, Reid Brignac of the Tampa Bay Rays visited T.J. in the hospital where they swapped stories of their love of baseball. During the visit, Brignac gave T.J. an autographed bat, an autographed jersey, and several of his baseball cards.

Since that visit, Brignac continues to check on T.J.’s condition, calling him after every game, and has invited T.J. to attend a Ray’s home game as a special guest of the team.

The next day, Evan Longoria, the All-Star third baseman of the Rays, visited T.J. Longoria also came bearing gifts, bringing T.J. a signed jersey and bat.

T.J. and his family have received tremendous support from the Bainbridge and Decatur County community as he makes his way toward recovery. After his last surgery this past Wednesday, the plan is for T.J. to come home in a week or so.

He will then continue treatments and care at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa.

A fund has been established to help in the continued medical expenses. Donations to the T.J. Andrews fund can be made at any Regions Bank location.