In much the same way that nobody who jumps into a pool can be surprised when they get wait, nobody can be really surprised by Ángel Hernández badly blowing a call in a game he’s umpiring. But one of his bad calls on Thursday at least had a happy ending.
The call came in the third inning of Thursday’s game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies. Pittsburgh pitcher, Luis Ortiz, delivered a 3-2 pitch to Bryce Harper that was low and inside. Harper initially began to offer at the pitch but clearly checked his swing. While the checked swing was appealed, it didn’t seem necessary, as Harper was not close to going around.
Only, Hernández was the third base umpire. And given that Harper is left-handed, the checked swing appeal went to Hernández, who brutally butchered the call.
Harper was frustrated, both during and after the game. And it didn’t take long for Hernández to eject the two-time National League MVP. As Harper was walking off of the field, he tossed his helmet into the crowd.
Bryce Harper — like most of the baseball world — has had enough of Ángel Hernández.
Harper was called out on a (horrible) check-swing call from Hernández and went off at the umpire before being ejected. ⚾️👮♂️pic.twitter.com/YpjCq02aDW
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 28, 2023
And that’s where the story changes.
Hayden Dorfman, a 10-year-old fan who was sitting behind Philadelphia’s first base dugout at Citizens Bank Park, caught the souvenir from Harper, who Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer said is Dorfman’s player. And any sadness that might have been felt by Dorfman after seeing his favorite player ejected was quickly mitigated by not only getting his helmet, but Harper insisting upon autographing it.
Security guards found Dorfman and told him the good news. Not long after, the helmet was returned to Dorfman with Harper’s signature on it.
Here is Hayden Dorfman, age 10, who caught the helmet Harper threw after he was ejected tonight. A few security guards approached him and told him Harper wanted to sign it.
He said Harper is his favorite player and added that this is “the best baseball game he’s ever been to” pic.twitter.com/uq4J3Ylhwf
— Alex Coffey (@byalexcoffey) September 29, 2023
Baseball fans had a lot to say about the frustrating-turned-wholesome moment.
Good to see someone benefited from Angel’s ridiculous call https://t.co/7b0X8xfu4F
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) September 29, 2023
This. This is what baseball is all about. Bryce Harper is a firecracker on the field but also a class act. Love this stuff. https://t.co/FiCeylQ4ig
— Nick Lee (@NickLee51) September 29, 2023
I love this! Good on Harper to make this kid's day! https://t.co/IuvVMIiALM
— Allie the Braves Princess (@ZeldaBravesGirl) September 29, 2023
Creating lifelong fans >>>> https://t.co/YX12jcVsa4
— Depressed Phillies Fan (@mlb_phanatic) September 29, 2023
Baseball. https://t.co/ov8WSy6h2h
— Tao of Stieb (@TaoofStieb) September 29, 2023
Another Bryce W. https://t.co/FeXCDufsPU
— Don Van Natta Jr. (@DVNJr) September 29, 2023
baseball is the BEST https://t.co/75IAhcaRyv
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) September 29, 2023
Finally Angel Hernandez contributed something positive to the game of baseball. https://t.co/XtqtUrECFr
— Paul T. Graham (@PaulTGraham) September 29, 2023
Harper later said that he “was happy to do that for him, and sign that for him,” though he did clarify “I wish I could have hit a homer or done something different in the game, to make his night.
Harper, when asked about making a young fan's night, emphasized that this was their last regular season game.
"Not many of these people can afford tickets to see a postseason game."
"They might see me for the last time this year, and I don't like that."https://t.co/7HcZts4vXf pic.twitter.com/vZtInSjBM7
— Alex Coffey (@byalexcoffey) September 29, 2023
We’d call this a pretty good consolation prize.
[Alex Coffey on Twitter]
