MLB player throws ball with young fan
Javier Bracamonte, a bullpen catcher for the Houston Astros, takes time before the game to coach a young fan. The duo tosses a baseball around after Bracamonte demonstrates proper throwing technique.
USA TODAY
Houston Astros star Jose Altuve hit a home run against the Baltimore Orioles, but his celebration, which involved a young fan, was a real hit.
Altuve hit a two-run home run to right field early in the third inning to give the Astros a 2-1 lead over the Orioles on Friday at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. After rounding the bases, Altuve picked up his bat and handed it to a young fan. “That was what was on Jose’s mind the most, as he walked back through the dugout to tell (Astros manager) Joe Espada there’s a young guy who needs to get my bat,” an MLB Network commentator said.
The young fan’s name is Chris, and when he received the bat, it was the “greatest moment of my life,” he said. How did that moment come about? Chris explained that he caught the attention of his “idol,” Altuve, as he was preparing for his next shot.
“When it was (Altuve’s) turn, I yelled, ‘If you hit a home run, can I have your bat?’ On the second pitch, he hit a home run … and right after that, he called me into the dugout and gave me the bat. He’s my idol and that was the best thing in my life.”
Check out his priceless reaction here:
Although Chris was wearing an Orioles cap when he first picked up Altuve’s bat, the young fan clarified that “Jose Altuve has always been my idol” and that he wore Baltimore gear while playing in the recreational league.
“I’m shaking right now,” Chris added.
