Adelaide Giants superfan Andrew Sutton dies after brave battle with cancer

Dedicated Adelaide Giants fan Andy Sutton has lost his battle with cancer less than a week after his favourite players surprised him for one last bat.

Adelaide Giants superfan Andrew Sutton has died following a brief battle with cancer – less than one week after his favourite players surprised him with a final bat.

In a statement released on Sunday, the baseball club thanked Mr Sutton for his unconditional support, creative banter and community passion.

“Andy will live on in Adelaide baseball folklore ... it just won’t be the same,” it said.

The former truck driver, 47, was diagnosed with advanced liver and lung cancer on April 1.

Mr Sutton was last week surprised by Giants players at the West Beach ballpark with a final bat, as reported by The Advertiser. An emotional video showed Mr Sutton being wheeled around the field’s bases in his wheelchair by best friend Danny Hicks.

“It took me by surprise a little bit, when Eric said ‘have you got gloves?’ I thought we might be going for a photo shoot … but obviously it was a bit more involved then that,” Mr Sutton said at the time.

“It was just so surreal and heartwarming it was amazing, it blew me away and it blew Danny away too.”

Mr Sutton and Mr Hicks became known as the “boys on the hill” for their lighthearted heckling from the stands.

Baseball fan Andrew Sutton, left, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in April, had a training session with the Adelaide Giants with his mate Danny Hicks, right. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

Andy Sutton is wheeled around the bases by mate Danny Hicks for a final bat. Picture: @adelaidegiants/Instagram

Andy at his surprise final bat at West Beach. Picture: @adelaidegiants/Instagram

The former truck driver began going to Giants games about three years ago with Danny.

After losing their voices from cheering at their first game, Mr Sutton said the pair invested in megaphones, and became known for their lighthearted heckling behind centrefield.

“They’re called the boys on the hill and everyone around Australia knows about them now because they just create a bit of atmosphere around the centrefield,” Mr Balnar said.

Adelaide Giants member Andrew Sutton, centre, who has died from cancer, with some of the Giants stars for one “final bat”. Picture: Adelaide Giants

“He was just a fan that created some atmosphere and obviously he had a passion for it.”

Mr Balnar said Mr Sutton’s diagnosis was devastating.

“How do you take it when anyone has cancer I suppose, it’s super sad, he provides a lot of atmosphere at the club … his impact and presence at games is certainly noticed like he’s one of the bigger characters,” Mr Balnar said.

The West Croydon man had hoped to still be around for the opening of the season in November. He is survived by sons Kyle, 25, and Jaiden, 22, and his eight-month-old granddaughter, Aaylah.

Originally published as Adelaide Giants superfan Andrew Sutton dies after brave battle with cancer