Getty Image / Rich Schultz
- Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Ben Gamel left the team’s Spring Training game in the 4th inning to go be with his wife for the birth of their first child
- In his final at-bat before leaving, Gamel jacked a home run as the TV announcer was sending a message to his wife
- Read more MLB stories here
Spring training is in full swing in Florida and Arizona. I’m actually going to see the Red Sox vs. Orioles on Thursday night, my first live MLB action in what seems like forever. Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Ben Gamel has helped propel his team to a 3-2 record in the Grapefruit League but he’ll now take several days away from the game.
Ben Gamel and his wife welcomed their first child this week. We know this because the TV announcer relayed a message from Gamel to his wife during the broadcast. He said that Gamel told him this was Ben’s last at-bat and he’d be leaving to meet his wife immediately after.
Then he jacked a home run after the announcer was done speaking. This is like the exact opposite of the Nick Castellanos ‘deep drive to left field‘ moment. Check it out
Ben Gamel Hits HR Before Leaving For Birth Of His First Child
Ben Gamel was taking his final at-bat before leaving to be with his wife, who's due to give birth to their first child.
He homered on his way out. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/h1msXuXL8Q
— MLB (@MLB) March 22, 2022
What Did The Fans Have To Say Afterward?
No time to stand on base so had to hit a homer so he could head out.
— Brian (@Lurus01) March 22, 2022
Pre-dad strength
— Frankie to KC (@burner_royals) March 22, 2022
Name the kid Homer
— Addison (@SFGiantsfan81) March 22, 2022
W Ben
W wife
W baby
W timing— Red Sox⚾️Miami Heat🔥Seahawks💚💙 (@JasonM_VII) March 22, 2022
Ben Gamel and the Pittsburgh Pirates are currently +50000 to win the World Series this season. They are in what some might consider a ‘rebuilding phase’.
I don’t know if Ben Gamel’s wife was back in Pittsburgh (or elsewhere) but if she was local, there’s a chance that his first child was born at the same hospital my son was born at which is kind of fun. It’s the best hospital in close proximity to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Spring Training facilities.
Last but not least, congratulations to Ben Gamel and his wife on their family growing by one!