Piscotty felt like his mother was with him during A's return

Stephen Piscotty felt the presence of his mother on Tuesday when he returned to the Oakland Athletics for the first time since her death.

After a year-long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, Piscotty's mother, Gretchen, died on Sunday at age 55.

A saddened Piscotty said that didn't stop her from being by his side during his emotional return, though.

"All day, I didn't feel alone. I felt like someone was with me," the 27-year-old said on Wednesday, according to The Associated Press. "I had a round in batting practice where I hit five homers out of five and I've never done that. That's not me.

As he stepped to the plate for the first time since Gretchen's passing, Piscotty received a roaring ovation from Oakland Coliseum. After placing his hand on his heart in remembrance of his mother, Piscotty ripped a single to right off Houston Astros starter Lance McCullers.

"It was a special moment," Piscotty explained. "I got in the box and heard the crowd start to roar and stepped out. I just wanted to acknowledge and to say thank you for all the support the A's community has given me. It was a cool moment and I know my mom was watching."

The story of Piscotty and his mother has been one of the most heart-warming in baseball after he was traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Athletics in December so he could be closer to her. He'll never forget the incredible gesture from both clubs that allowed him to spend six months with his ailing mom before she died.

"I can't imagine being 2,000 miles away or in a different place and not being around what all's been going," Piscotty said. "The trade has meant the world to me and I know it did to my mom. Being able to really share every last moment together was something that just warms my heart. I'm so grateful for it. I'm at a loss for words. I'm just so glad to be home."