Baseball

A's outfielder Stephen Piscotty gets a hit in his first at-bat since mother's death

By Justin Adams May 9, 2018
Oakland A's outfielder Stephen Piscotty. (Photo Courtesy: Twitter: @athletics_fanly)

Oakland A’s outfielder Stephen Piscotty hit a single on his first at-bat since returning to the team following the death of his mother, Gretchen.

Piscotty’s mother was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in May 2017, and died on Sunday. She was 55 years old.

Before the game, Piscotty spoke with A’s manager Bob Melvin about playing and he immediately obliged.

“I talked to him about it, and I gave him the option, and he wanted to play,” Melvin said to MLB.com. “So we had a little conversation in the office. I knew coming into today that was what he wanted to do as of yesterday, but today, he definitely wants to be in the lineup, around his teammates.”

As Piscotty stepped to the plate in the second inning for his first at-bat, fans, teammates and Houston Astros players all gave him round of applause.

After tapping his chest in appreciation, Piscotty stepped into the batters box and singled to right-center.

The Astros would beat the A’s 4-2, but Piscotty’s single transcended the final score.

“I was really happy for him,” A’s shortstop Marcus Semien said to MLB.com. “It was a great moment for him and his family, his mom watching down on him on that at-bat right there.”

“That was great,” Melvin said. “Our fans know. They gave him a great reception, and I know it probably made him feel good. And to get a hit the first time up is what you’re hoping for. Now, it’s just about moving on for him. He wants to play.”

Please join us in praying for the Piscotty family and remembering all who are battling ALS.  You can join the Piscotty family in raising funds and find a cure for ALS by clicking here.

RELATED ARTICLES:
— Gretchen Piscotty, mother of Oakland Athletics’ Stephen Piscotty, passes away at 55
– 49ers Great Dwight Clark Announces He Has ALS
– Former NFL Player Diagnosed with ALS, Shares Inspiring Message
– Cubs’ Yu Darvish, Jon Lester donate $10,000 each for ALS research in memory of Stephen Piscotty’s mother

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