Cleveland Indians fan makes young Angels fan’s night
A lucky bounce led to a lifelong Cleveland Indians fan giving a young Los Angeles Angels fan a gift of a lifetime.
Shohei Ohtani wasted little time in making an impact for the Los Angeles Angels in their contest against the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday. Just two days after impressing in his first regular season trip to the mound, Ohtani turned heads once more. This time, he belted a three run homer in his first plate appearance at home, earning a curtain call from the Angels faithful.
Obviously, that home run ball would be the type of souvenir that would be worth a good chunk of change. Anything Ohtani has been hot in the sports memorabilia market, and the lucky person to snare that home run ball would likely get a solid financial windfall. It may not be the life changing sum that the baseballs from the Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa home run chase in 1998 fetched, but it would be a princely sum nonetheless.
However, that potential payout was not on the mind of Chris Incorvaia, an Indians fan who had the ball land next to him. He picked up the treasured piece of memorabilia, and placed it in the glove of Matthew Gutierrez, a nine year old Angels fan who was sitting behind him. Even though he understood the significance of the ball, he said that he felt it was more important that it be given to someone that would appreciate it more, such as the young Angels fan behind him.
Great #Indians fans, who gave #Shohei’s first homerun to an awesome #Angels father and son. Amazing people, amazing night! @Angels @Indians pic.twitter.com/4uYqIAwkz1
— Angel Stadium (@angelstadium) April 4, 2018
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That incredible night did not end there. Gutierrez later handed that treasured ball to a staff member of the Angels, who came around to attempt to collect it for the Japanese sensation. The pair headed down to the Angels clubhouse after the game, where they got to meet Ohtani, personally handing him the ball. In exchange, Gutierrez received an autographed ball and bat. Incorvaia bought an Ohtani Angels jersey, which he was able to get signed.
These are the moments that help make lifelong baseball fans. Gutierrez will forever cherish the memory of getting to meet one of his favorite players, and receiving that autographed baseball and bat in person in the middle of the Angels clubhouse. He will be the envy of any of his baseball loving friends, having a story to tell for years to come. That gift, perhaps even more so than the ball that Incorvaia put in his glove, is truly priceless.
Next: Breaking down Ohtani's pitching debut
A Cleveland Indians fan was able to make the night of a Los Angeles Angels fan. Because of that, they both will have a story to tell for years to come.