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.
