Sometimes a small act of kindness can resonate well beyond just the person receiving the gesture.
During a June 29th Rays home game against the Texas Rangers, 12-year-old Joseph Hartman didn’t think he’d find himself in the spotlight, with millions watching. He was just seeing a ballgame with his father Rob, brother William, and sister Mary Grace.
Joseph had the foresight only very wise 12-year-olds do, and brought his glove to the game; 7-year-old Mary Grace forgot hers.
What happened next delighted anyone watching the game. Joseph caught a foul ball and brought it triumphantly back to his seat. Then, without a moment of hesitation, handed the ball over to his little sister.
Viewers were charmed. Bystanders high-fived him. And the Rays couldn’t help but notice.
The Hartman clan was invited back, meeting Rays players like Ryne Stanek and Austin Meadows. And as for that ball? Well Joseph ended up getting one of his own anyway, signed by Kevin Kiermaier.
The Hartman family showed us what the "Magic of Rays Baseball" is all about. #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/dUaTMkbJ7U
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) July 11, 2019
Watch the video and try not to cry; I failed.