Soldier goes undercover as MLB catcher to surprise daughter


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TAMPA BAY, Fla. — A 9-year-old was surprised at a Tampa Bay Rays game last week when the catcher who caught her ceremonial first pitch turned out to be her father, home from Afghanistan after nearly two years.

Alayna Adams was invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Tampa Bay-Red Sox game Thursday night at Tropicana Field. Before she threw the pitch, a message from her father appeared on the scoreboard.

"Stay focused, throw the ball and I love you," said her father, Lt. Col. Will Adams, according to WTSP.

Alayna threw the pitch, which was a bit short, and the catcher stepped forward to catch it. He stood up and took off his mask. His daughter ran into his arms.

Alayna told WTSP she thought she must have been dreaming when she saw her father behind home plate. But it was all part of an elaborate scheme put together by the United Service Organization and the Rays.

Alayna had been called in to meet the principal that day at school. She thought she was in trouble, but was told she had been selected out of a group of military families to throw out the first pitch at the Rays game that night.

Adams told the Tampa Bay Times he was due home Monday, but returned on Wednesday to surprise his family.

"That was the hardest part," he said. "Being back home and not being able to see them."

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Stephanie Grimes

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