Yesterday, the college baseball season started.

Cade Belyeu, a sophomore outfield for Auburn University, lost his mom on Friday morning but, when he called to tell his coach the news, he said that he still wanted to play in that night’s game against Holy Cross.  His mom, before she passed, said that she wanted him to play in the game.

On his third trip to the plate, this happened…

The homerun was the first of both the game and the season.  As Belyeu rounded the bases, he pointed to where the ball had gone out of the stadium.  The crowd, most of whom knew Belyeu’s story, erupted in cheers.  After the game (which Auburn won 4-1), the fan who caught the ball returned it to the team and it was given to Belyeu.

Moment like this are why I love baseball.