Sad news today from Pittsburgh. John Challis, the 18-year-old from suburban Pittsburgh who wowed the Rays (and Pirates, and Yankees) with his personality and courage during visits to PNC Park earlier this season, succumbed to liver and lung cancer this afternoon.

The Rays presented Challis with an autographed banner featuring the slogan for the teen’s foundation, “Courage + Believe = Life”, that Joe Maddon had made up after seeing a story about Challis on ESPN.

Having spent only a few minutes in his presence, he was an impressive young man. And in talking a bit to the baseball coach at his high school, Challis obviously had a huge impact on those who were around him regularly.

He did more for others in his short life than most of us who have been given a lot more time. He certainly will be missed.