Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
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SALT LAKE CITY — Well Matt Kemp has done it again. The new coolest person in sports has become even cooler. For those who may not remember, a viral video hit a few weeks ago with Kemp giving the literal shirt off his back to a fan named Joshua Jones.
The story was heartwarming and all around pretty awesome. Well, Kemp just wasn't done with the young man. In their first meeting, Jones' family saved money to get great seats to watch the Dodgers play in San Francisco. This time, Kemp actually got a hold of Jones and flew him out to Los Angeles to meet with players and enjoy a game on Memorial Day.
The young man has cancer and recently had brain surgery. Kemp has decided to be awesome and help Jones in any way he can. Jones was able to meet Clayton Kershaw and Mike Trout among others on the field at Dodger Stadium.
It might seem a little cliché, and on a day when America honors heroes, but the small gestures that a great guy does to makes a young mans life different shouldn't be overstated as a great heroic story. However, it is still amazing to see the outreach for these occasional stories that are just really cool.
Good for you Matt, you win again. It is hard not to like him.
Hit a homer for me:
Max Rubin of New York decided to a make a special request as David Wright of the Mets got up to bat. He decided that Wright should hit a home run. The Mets were down a run to the Yankees and Wright was getting up to bat as Rubin made his request.
It probably happens hundreds of times every year — probably every game to be honest — but that doesn't really make it any less special. What really sets it apart is what happens after the hit.
Sorry to jump ahead, Wright indeed hit a solo home run to tie the game up.
He then goes to celebrate with the fan. Wright said he figured the fan would want a fist bump or high-five, and Rubin wants more than just that. He reaches out and goes for a full-on hug, and Wright gives it to him. Not only just any hug, but the young man holds on for probably a little too long.
Both of these stories are about ball players who realize they are just people who get to play a game they love and are giving back to people who pay to watch them play.
Kudos to you Mr. Wright.
Military Reunion:
On Memorial Day there will always be a few of these great videos that will come out. Here is another video from Dodger Stadium with one of the great military reunion videos.
This one has Lieutenant Brandon Neel surprising his family while his parents were being interviewed about Memorial Day. They thought it was just another segment about Memorial Day to honor the military, but of course any time this happens, it is a surprise reunion that makes everyone cry.
There isn't much more to say, but once again the Dodgers win. It is a great story and a great feeling. Enjoy. And just because it isn't Memorial Day doesn't mean you shouldn't be thanking the military.
