UPDATE: In a heartwarming turn of events, the Seattle Mariners are urgently seeking the fan who gifted a young boy Cal Raleigh’s historic 60th home run ball during a thrilling game at T-Mobile Park on September 27, 2023. This special moment unfolded during the Mariners’ impressive 9-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies, securing Seattle’s first American League West title in 24 years.
During the game, a fan caught Raleigh’s milestone ball and made an immediate impact by passing it on to 12-year-old Marcus Ruelos, who was sitting in the right-field seats. Mariners’ team security promptly escorted Marcus and his father to authenticate the ball. In exchange, the boy received a signed bat from Raleigh and an exclusive invitation to watch batting practice on the field.
Mariners’ senior manager of communications, Adam Gresch, is reaching out to the community via social media to connect with the generous fan. He calls for anyone who knows “this incredible fan” to send him a direct message, amplifying the emotional significance of the exchange.
The act of kindness did not go unnoticed, as Marcus’s father, Galan Ruelos, described the gesture as a “complete, gracious, sincere, random act of kindness.” Speaking on “The Gee and Ursula Show,” Ruelos emphasized the valuable lesson his son learned from this experience: “No matter what happens, this is the kind of moment that you should pay forward later in life.”
Ruelos shared that when the moment arose, his son did not even consider the potential monetary value of the ball. “My son whispered to me and said, ‘Dad, because it’s Cal, I want him to have [the ball],'” Ruelos recounted. “He was never thinking, are we going to keep it for money? That wasn’t even a thought.”
This touching exchange comes as Raleigh joins an elite group of players, becoming one of just seven in major league history to hit 60 home runs in a single season. He now stands alongside legends such as Babe Ruth and Barry Bonds. With only four games remaining in the season, Raleigh has an opportunity to surpass Aaron Judge‘s American League record of 62 home runs, set in 2022.
As the Mariners continue their playoff push, this story not only highlights the magic of baseball but also the kindness and community spirit that can flourish in sports. Fans are encouraged to share any information regarding the fan who made this remarkable moment possible.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds and the Mariners strive for postseason glory!
