Hilliard's dad with ALS attends Rockies' exhibition game vs. Rangers

Colorado Rockies outfielder Sam Hilliard received quite a surprise Tuesday when his team played an exhibition game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.

Hilliard's parents and fiancee were allowed to attend the contest.

Hilliard's father was diagnosed with ALS two years ago, so having his family at the game was an incredible moment for the 26-year-old native of Texas.

"It's amazing that he can be here, especially the fact he's in Texas," Hilliard said before Tuesday's game, according to Stephen Hawkins of The Associated Press.

"It's going to be something else to look up there and see him. ... Hopefully, I'll get to interact a little bit with him after the game or something, get to see him. I haven't seen him in a while. It's going to be really cool and something to really cherish."

Hilliard wasn't sure how his family was able to enter the ballpark to watch the game, but he said the Rangers found a way "for them to get in and be socially distanced from anyone else, and have a little spot in the stadium."

Hilliard's family is scheduled to attend another exhibition game between the two clubs Wednesday and the Rockies' regular-season opener Friday.

"That’s honestly a dream come true," Hilliard said. "It's such a blessing for my family, to have them here."

Hilliard is expected to start in the Rockies' outfield this season after hitting .273/.356/.649 with seven home runs and 13 RBIs in 27 games last year.