Cubs’ Willson Contreras surprises 11-year-old “best friend” with Down syndrome at school

Eleven-year-old Daniel Rodriquez, an Advocate Children’s Hospital patient with Down syndrome, was surprised by his BFF, Willson Contreras, during his first week back to school.

That moment when you and your BFF see each other for the first time in over a year! #Cubs #EverybodyIn pic.twitter.com/MU8LlOQtF2

— Advocate Health Care (@advocatehealth) August 23, 2018

The Cubs catcher stopped by Enger School in Franklin Park, Ill., to visit Daniel and over 60 of his classmates as a part of a Back-To-School surprise by Advocate Children’s Hospital.

.@WContreras40 surprises his best bud, Daniel! ? #EverybodyIn pic.twitter.com/SL4YEPlh1n

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 23, 2018

Willson took photos, played games and even ate lunch with the children in their classroom.

When @Cubs’ @WContreras40 surprises your school and eats lunch with you and your friends ? #Cubs #AdvocateKids pic.twitter.com/7VaHlNL7k0

— Advocate Children’s (@AdvocateKids) August 23, 2018

Willson and Daniel first hit it off when the Cubs star met the super fan at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge a few years ago. They reconnected last February during Spring Training in Mesa, and Willson even helped Daniel celebrate his 10th birthday at Wrigley Field.

Because it’s Saturday and it’s been one year since this BFF duo met. ? @WContreras40 #ThatsCub pic.twitter.com/EijXafRV9x

— Advocate Children’s (@AdvocateKids) January 20, 2018

When your friends from @AdvocateKids‘ #KidsCubsCactus trip surprise you for your 10th birthday, including @WContreras40. #ThatsCub pic.twitter.com/7msLZ4qsNu

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 25, 2017

Watch the tear-filled reunion on Facebook Live below:

Thank you @WContreras40 and @ClarktheCub for hanging out at Enger School today and surprising Daniel! @Cubs #EverybodyIn ? pic.twitter.com/lQ4zh8Vrcn

— Advocate Children’s (@AdvocateKids) August 23, 2018