Mets host young transplant patient at spring training

The Mets welcomed a special guest to spring training today in 14-year-old super fan Ryan Williams, who recently underwent a heart transplant. Williams had a chance to interact with the Mets' starting pitchers as well as manager Terry Collins. According to SNY, Matt Harvey took the lead in getting other players to autograph a ball for Williams.

Collins assembled most of the Mets' pitchers to take a picture with the young transplant patient and told Williams "You are now among the best pitching staff in all of baseball," which drew cheers from fans who were watching the proceedings.

Williams has a long history with the Mets. A Fort Piece, Florida native, Williams was born with a missing heart valve, and underwent several heart surgeries over the years before his transplant. Williams was flown to New York to meet his hero David Wright by the Make-A-Wish Foundation in 2013. The following year, he served as an honorary coach for the Mets during the opening game of spring training.

Williams had received well wishes via video from Wright during his recuperation from his transplant this past summer, but this was apparently the first time he was able to return to see the team in person.

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) February 23, 2016