Waukesha Christmas Parade survivor surprised with trip to Brewers game in Pittsburgh

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Aurora Health Care teamed up with the Milwaukee Brewers to surprise a Waukesha Christmas Parade survivor with the trip of a lifetime.

Tyler Pudleiner has been a Brewers fan for as long as he can remember, attending his first game at just three months old.

Despite skipping some practice, the 17-year-old super fan threw out a perfect ceremonial first pitch at the Milwaukee Brewers game on Wednesday, July 27.

"I wasn't even throwing a curveball or anything," Pudleiner said.

What happened moments later will be a moment Pudleiner and his family never forget.

"I have no words. I'm still kind of processing it. It's pretty special," Pudleiner said.

Pudleiner's idol, Brewers Manager Craig Counsell surprised him on the field with an all-expenses paid trip to watch the team play in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, August 3.

"The greatest news that I could ever hear," Pudleiner said.

Pudleiner spent a week at Aurora Medical Center Summit after suffering internal injuries while marching with the Waukesha South High School Bank in the Waukesha Christmas Parade last year.

"I started to cry," Katti Pudleiner said. "It's been a long road, and he's going back in for surgery in October. So, it's not over yet."

Baseball was and continues to be a huge part of Pudleiner's recovery.

"It's America's pastime, and everybody loves it," Pudleiner said. "I think that's what's helped all of us truly recover."