Massapequa resident Jake Brice, a 9 year-old heart transplant recipient, has been selected by the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation to throw out the first pitch at the Tuesday, June 19 game between the New York Mets and the Minnesota Twins at Shea Stadium.

Jake will be participating in the Sixth Annual Starlight Starbright Night at Shea Stadium.

Over 500 Starlight Starbright children, their families and friends attend the annual event. Participants receive a game ticket, admission to a barbecue in the tented picnic area at Shea with unlimited food and soft drinks, a special visit from Mr. Met and Mets players before the game and a chance to bid on valuable gift donations, collectible items and memorabilia in a silent auction.

The children will also get a chance to play catch with Mets players on the field beginning at 3:30 p.m.

The event will support the mission of the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, which works to improve the condition of seriously ill children and their families. Each year, Starlight serves over 250,000 critically, chronically, and terminally ill children throughout the tri-state area.

Since his birth, young Jake has had three open-heart surgeries and numerous other procedures. He remains in high spirits and is looking forward to the big day at Shea Stadium.