Major League Baseball

Indians players shave their heads in support of teammate's daughter

Published May. 27, 2015 10:37 a.m. ET

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The Cleveland Indians are showing unity during a teammate's time of need.

Indians players have shaved their heads in support of infielder Mike Aviles, whose 4-year-old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this month.

Aviles was humbled by his teammates' show of support.  

"It means a lot for me," Aviles told MLB.com. "It shows I'm kind of liked, or my daughter is, anyway. In all honesty, it's kind of cool when you have your whole team on your side. It goes without saying, everybody in here has families and they know how it is. It's a tough time, but to know that my team, the coaching staff, everybody, is on my family's side and my little girl's side, it helps out a lot and makes me feel good."

After his daughter was diagnosed, Aviles was placed on the Family Medical Emergency list and missed eight games.

"It's a team thing," second baseman Jason Kipnis told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "It started with Mike's daughter because of what she's going through. Unfortunately, she's going to be losing her hair soon from chemotherapy and we all wanted to join in.

"It started with a couple of guys and has spread throughout the whole clubhouse."

Aviles is well liked in the clubhouse and has been getting support not just from teammates but also from the coaching staff.

"Mike is one of the best clubhouse guys there is in this entire league," Kipnis said. "He's been a great person and a great teammate. I think all the guys have done a good job of stepping up to make him feel welcomed and back at home and that nothing has changed.

"Numerous guys have told him that if he needs anything at anytime that they'll be there for him. I think baseball has been a good distraction for him."

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