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Schwarber playing out dream World Series for 10-year-old fan

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Kyle Schwarber nearly missed the entire 2016 year while recovering from torn ligaments in his knee he suffered in April, but it's someone else's recovery that's inspired his unexpected comeback.

Though he made it back to the field just in time for the World Series against the Cleveland Indians, Schwarber revealed after Game 2 on Wednesday it wasn't just his own hope of recovery that propelled him to make it back in time. The 23-year-old also told reporters the story of his 10-year-old friend Campbell Faulkner, a young boy from Phoenix battling a rare form of mitochondrial disease who's also responsible for the bright green wristband on Schwarber's left hand.

"He always has a big smile on his face that draws attention to him and is living life to the fullest even though he has something to overcome,'' Schwarber said, according to David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune. "He's a smart kid, man. He has an IQ of like a college kid for being so young. … That's a person you want to look up to right there.''

Faulkner first gave Schwarber the green bracelet in March 2015, and the pair met again earlier in October as Schwarber rehabbed in Arizona for the Fall Classic. Carrie Faulkner, Campbell's mother, was left speechless when she saw Schwarber still wearing the wristband after Game 2.

"When Campbell saw Kyle wearing that green band on TV during the World Series, it was … so powerful,'' she told Haugh in a phone interview.

"Kyle took part of my son to the World Series with him. It's absolutely precious what Kyle has given Campbell and the way his involvement has impacted his life so positively.''

Despite having not played since April 7, Schwarber impressed in Games 1 and 2, going 3-for-7 with two RBIs as the club's designated hitter. He'll be limited to only pinch hit appearances at Wrigley Field, however, as doctors ruled it was too risky to clear Schwarber to play in the outfield.

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