San Francisco crowds were the first to start the "Batkid! Batkid!" chants on Friday. But it didn't take long for an entire nation to join them in cheering on 5-year-old Miles Scott, a cancer patient from Tulelake, Calif., whose dream to cruise through the streets of Gotham as a superhero came to life in a big way.
Go, Batkid, go!
5-year-old cancer patient's big day and dream come true was fun for all.
November 16, 2013 at 12:43AM
The news stories chronicling Miles' adventures were nearly irresistible to anyone trying to work (you know, like an editorial writer). Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and 7,000 volunteers, the costumed Miles raced through the streets of San Francisco in a sleek Batmobile, foiled a robbery, vanquished villains, and rescued not just a damsel in distress but San Francisco Giants' mascot Lou Seal as well.
Thousands lined the streets as Miles, accompanied by his Batman-costumed dad and his little brother as Robin, moved from one action-packed scene to another, with a lunch stop at the Burger Bar. Everyone wanted in on the fun.
The San Francisco Chronicle became the Gotham City Chronicle with a special front page featuring Miles' exploits. The local U.S. Department of Justice office issued an official-looking indictment of classic Batman villains the Penguin and the Riddler. A City Hall ceremony in which the San Francisco mayor gave Miles a key to the city capped the day. Even President Obama joined in from the White House, thanking him in a brief video for his good work. On social media, there was a collective "Go, Batkid, go!"
Even in an age of viral videos, Miles' story was a sensation. Maybe it was a lingering attachment to Batman, a superhero we loved as kids and discovered Friday we still do. Maybe it was the heartwarming feeling of watching a huge city turn out for a little kid. Whatever the reason, all of us enjoyed the day almost as much as Miles.
Let this Jewish man fill some space in the newspaper, so the writers and editors can take a break.
