A boy whose great-grandpa inspired his love of baseball surprised his ‘Pops’ with his first-ever game ball after 12 strikeouts.
Eight-year-old Cash shares an incredibly close bond with his great-grandpa Rich “Pop” Gamble, 82, from Pennsylvania, who has always loved America’s pastime.
Growing up, Rich would walk himself to practices and games because he didn’t have anyone to take him or cheer him on from the sidelines – and so he wanted to make sure that was not the case for Cash.
Rich, shaped by such experiences, first told Cash baseball stories when he was a youngster, before moving on to softball pitching to his great-grandson and driving Cash to and from the ballfield for games and practice, while Cash’s dad, Tyler, 37, drove in a car close behind.
It was also Rich who influenced Cash’s choice to wear the number three on his jersey.
Having watched Cash swinging when he was just four years old, Rich said that his great-grandson “looks like a little Babe Ruth,” which prompted Cash to change from wearing number four to three, the famous Yankee slugger’s number.
And so, when Cash, dubbed “Bambino” by his Pop after Ruth, was presented with his first-ever game ball for being the best player on the field, he kept on his number three jersey and knew exactly where he was heading.
On April 15, the eight-year-old headed to his Meme and Pop’s house, still in his team’s uniform, where Rich first gave Cash a welcome hug.
Then, Cash went on to explain how well he’d played in the game – scoring 12 strikeouts in four innings during what was the first game of the season – and how he’d been given the game ball, which he wanted his great grandpa to have.
A proud Rich was visibly touched by the gesture, his voice cracking as he said, “Thank you,” before giving Cash another hug as he held the ball tight.
Tyler, later shared a clip he captured of the moment on social media, where some viewers said they were in tears, which warmed the heart of Cash’s mom, Abby, 36, Rich’s granddaughter.
Tyler said: “I was incredibly emotional.
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“I found myself completely choked up, especially when I heard Pop’s voice crack as he said ‘Thank you’ again while squeezing and rubbing the ball in his hands.
“I knew at that moment how much it meant to him.
“I was unbelievably proud of Cash — not just for his amazing pitching, but for having the heart to give his first-ever game ball to someone so important to him.
“A game ball is a special milestone for any young player, and to see him want to share that honor with Pop made my heart so full.
“I hope this story reminds people — especially young athletes — that achievements like a game ball aren’t just important for themselves but can also become incredible gifts for those who have supported them every step of the way.
“More importantly, I hope it reminds parents, grandparents, and loved ones how much simply being there matters.
“In today’s busy world, it’s not always easy to make every game or practice, but even when kids don’t say it, seeing someone in the stands cheering for them means absolutely everything.
“Those small moments of showing up leave lifelong memories.”
