After ALDS loss, Astros bullpen catcher makes classy gesture to Royals fans
The Houston Astros’ season came to an end Wednesday night. They were edged out in the American League Division Series by the Kansas City Royals, who won Game 5 on their home field and sent the Astros back to Houston.
It can be a tough thing, losing a do-or-die game, then coming to grips with the idea that the baseball season you poured so much of yourself into … it’s over now.
One guy who didn’t let disappointment ruin his night was Astros bullpen catcher Javier Bracamonte. And in the process, he made the night even better for a bunch of young Royals fans.
[Related: How the bemoaned Johnny Cueto willed the Royals to the ALCS]
Bracamonte didn’t leave the bullpen with his tail between his legs. In fact, according to an account from Royals fan David Dahmer, Bracamonte emptied his bullpen bag, giving every single baseball and piece of gear he had to children in the stands. Royals fans, mind you.
Last night Javier Brackamonte #85, a Houston Astros bullpen catcher showed an unbelievable act of class and…
Posted by David Dahmer on Thursday, October 15, 2015
What a cool gesture. Earlier in the series, Bracamonte was spotted playing catch with kids in the Kauffman Stadium stands, which is also very nice. Bracamonte, 45, has been the Astros’ bullpen catcher for 15 seasons. He’s a former infielder who, for a time, was signed by the New York Yankees out of their Venezuelan baseball academy.
As the Facebook post by Dahmer started to get attention on the web, Bracamonte saw it and sent Dahmer a note. It read:
“Thank you so much Sr that what baseball is about I just a kid come from venezuela to play baseball to USA my dream come true working for the houston astros and wan be sure the kids really enjoy come to a Mlb game that why I’m really enjoy playing catch before the game with them put a big smile on those kids.”
Righteous. Yes, this is the time of year where the stakes are high in MLB and emotions are even higher. But it’s important to stay grounded too, and realize that even when things didn’t go your way, you can still make a fan’s day.
More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:
– – – – – – –
Mike Oz is the editor of Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @MikeOz
