Mookie trades fan his signed bat for Reds rookie's 1st career HR ball
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts is always looking out for the new kids on the block, even when he's playing against them.
Cincinnati Reds rookie TJ Friedl launched a home run off Dodgers reliever Tony Gonsolin for his first big-league hit during the sixth inning of Sunday's game at Great American Ball Park. The hit came during Friedl's second career plate appearance.
2nd MLB at-bat.
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 19, 2021
1st MLB hit.
1st MLB homer.
Congrats, @TjFriedl1❗️ pic.twitter.com/tZCAqQt3zC
The blast trimmed the Dodgers' lead to 6-2, but there was another pressing concern for Betts: Getting Friedl his memento.
While the rookie rounded the bases, Betts quickly orchestrated a trade with the fan who caught the home run ball, making sure it went back to the Reds' dugout. For his troubles, the fan received a signed bat from the 2018 MVP.
Bigger than baseball.
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 19, 2021
Respect, @mookiebetts. 👏 pic.twitter.com/3q34zdzJxE
Michael Diddle of Portsmouth, Ohio, caught the ball from TJ Friedl’s first MLB hit, a home run. Dodgers RF watched the ball, asked for it and told Diddle “I got you.” In the bottom of the 7th, Betts came back with a signed bat pic.twitter.com/wVT8kh9vNX
— C. Trent Rosecrans (@ctrent) September 19, 2021
Friedl was incredibly appreciative of the gesture and tried to meet Betts postgame to thank him in person, according to Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Sometimes, a day at the ballpark produces pure magic.