Watch: Votto gives bat to 6-year-old cancer patient after HR

Joey Votto hit this one out for Walter Herbert.

The Cincinnati Reds first baseman launched his 34th home run of the season off New York Mets reliever Jeurys Familia Thursday afternoon, opening up a 5-2 lead for the home side - but that's not why anyone will remember this homer.

In one of the season's most heartwarming moments, Votto returned from his trot around the bases and immediately gave his home-run bat and jersey to young Walter, a six-year-old Reds fan who's fighting stage 4 neuroblastoma, a common form of childhood cancer.

Votto also made sure to give Walter a celebratory high five through the protective netting after he crossed home plate.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Walter - who also goes by the nickname "Superbubz" - and the Reds have grown close in the past few weeks. He served as the Reds' honorary captain during this past Sunday's game against Pittsburgh, and was also in the clubhouse hanging out with the team earlier in the week, according to Jennifer Baker of Cincinnati.com.

Votto declined to discuss his gesture after the game, but the Herbert family had plenty of praise for the 33-year-old All-Star, who made Thursday an afternoon they'll never forget.

"These are the days you remember when you have the bad days," Walter's father, Wally, told Cincinnati.com's C. Trent Rosecrans.