Texas Rangers Manager Introduces Inspiring Cancer Survivor to Team

Skip Schumaker brings Cade Spinello, a 20-year-old brain tumor survivor, to address the Rangers during spring training

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker called a team meeting to introduce Cade Spinello, a 20-year-old survivor of a brain tumor, to the players. Spinello met Schumaker over a decade ago through the Jessie Rees Foundation, which supports pediatric cancer patients and their families. Spinello addressed the team for about 15 minutes, sharing his story and inspiring the players to use their platform to help others.

Why it matters

Schumaker's introduction of Spinello to the Rangers highlights the manager's commitment to community investment and using the team's platform for more than just baseball. By sharing Spinello's story of perseverance, Schumaker aims to provide perspective for the players and remind them of the larger purpose beyond the game.

The details

Schumaker first got involved with the Jessie Rees Foundation, named after a young girl who died of cancer in 2012, over a decade ago. Spinello was Jessie's 'treatment buddy' during her battle. Spinello has visited and addressed every team Schumaker has coached or managed since leaving the playing field. The manager believes Spinello's story helps put the players' struggles and challenges in perspective.

  • Schumaker met Cade Spinello over a decade ago through the Jessie Rees Foundation.
  • Jessie Rees, the namesake of the foundation, died in 2012.

The players

Skip Schumaker

The manager of the Texas Rangers who introduced Cade Spinello to the team. Schumaker has been heavily involved with the Jessie Rees Foundation, which supports pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Cade Spinello

A 20-year-old survivor of a brain tumor who met Schumaker over a decade ago through the Jessie Rees Foundation. Spinello was the 'treatment buddy' of Jessie Rees, the foundation's namesake who died of cancer in 2012.

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What they’re saying

“He puts things in perspective. Those 0 for 4s, those tough outings, they don't mean as much when you are listening to Cade's speech. It meant a lot to have him talk to the team. I'm really proud of him. It just makes for a cool way to start the morning.”

— Skip Schumaker, Texas Rangers Manager (The Dallas Morning News)

What’s next

Schumaker plans to continue inviting Cade Spinello to address the Rangers and other teams he coaches, believing Spinello's story of perseverance provides important perspective for professional athletes.

The takeaway

By using his platform as a manager to introduce an inspiring cancer survivor to his team, Skip Schumaker demonstrates a commitment to community investment and reminding players of the larger purpose beyond just baseball. Schumaker's actions show how sports can be leveraged to uplift and empower those facing adversity.