Meet the Dodger fan who caught Freddie Freeman’s grand slam ball – NBC New York

A surprise trip to Dodger Stadium turned out to be the best day of a young Dodger fan’s life.

When Freddie Freeman hit a walk-off grand slam on Friday night to save the Dodgers who were down 3-2 in the bottom of the 10th inning in Game 1 of the World Series, he was a hero to all Dodger fans, including 10 year old fans. -old Zechariah.

The 5th grader caught the ball that was coming straight towards where he and his parents were sitting.

“When he hit the ball, we knew it was leaving the park, but we had no idea we were going to catch it.” Zachary, whose parents declined to give the last name, said. “The ball bounced on the chair in front of us and rolled a little on the ground. Then I got it.”

It was already a surprise that Zachary was at the game, since the boy with the braces had initially been told by his parents that he was going to the dentist. The 10-year-old, who wore his Dodger gear all day for the game anyway, was already excited to be at Dodger Stadium.

Then catching the historic ball was a total curveball.

“He was just crying – tears streaming down his eyes and a big smile on his face,” Zachary’s father, Nico, described. “He had nothing but tears of joy.”

While all the fans who filled Dodger Stadium would have been thrilled for the grand slam ball, Zachary said other fans were happy for him.

“Everyone wanted to take a picture with me. Everyone wanted to see the ball. I just got harassed,” the young fan recalls.

Zachary’s father said he thinks any fan who truly loves baseball would understand the excitement his son felt.

“You share the same feeling. It was incredible,” said Nico. “Even the Yankees fans were impressed and even a little excited by what happened. It was just a great atmosphere.”

The family is now trying to get the ball signed by Freddie Freeman himself.

With the World Series far from over, Zachary is hoping for another surprise from his parents.

Maybe another dental appointment will do the trick.