[Epoch Times, September 7, 2022](Reported by English Epoch Times reporter Louise Chambers / compiled by Zhang Yufei) A fourth-grader in the United States learned to play baseball under the guidance of his grandfather from a young age. After he successfully hit his first home run not long ago, he actually gave his grandfather an autographed baseball. The exciting moment was captured on camera and went viral on the internet.
Felix, 9, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has been playing for a local baseball team called Boss Youth Baseball. His 73-year-old Bruce Carrier retired from his position as a superintendent (the person who oversees school work) five years ago, and has since devoted much of his time and energy to his nine grandchildren.
At the end of August, Felix played his final game of the season.
“I was really surprised because I never hit a home run, and what was even more surprising to me was that it was a grand slam,” Felix told The Big slam. The Epoch Times, “I’m very proud because it was such a good day for me.”
To share his victories with his grandfather, who has coached him in the game since he was 4 years old, Felix wrote “Grandpa, I love you” on his home run ball and went home to give it to his grandfather.
Bruce described the precious moment to this newspaper when he said he was watching a baseball game when he got a call asking him to go to the garage because Felix was waiting for him and wanted to talk to him Son.
“When I got there, he just gave me the ball,” Bruce said.
In the heartwarming clip, Felix can be heard saying to Bruce: “This ball is for you and I wrote ‘Grandpa, I love you’ on it.”
Bruce burst into tears when he heard it, and he asked Felix: “Why do you do this?” Felix replied: “Because you taught me everything about baseball.” Afterwards, the grandparents and grandchildren hugged affectionately.
Bruce told the newspaper: “Of course, it was totally unexpected. I’m so proud of the kid who had a great day and thought of sharing his achievements with me. It makes me very happy!”
Felix said he tried to hold back his tears when he saw his grandfather’s reaction, but he couldn’t.
Since the clip was shared on social media by his mom, Melissa Carrier-Damon, it has gone viral and has since garnered millions of views and nearly 900,000 likes.
Originally from Minnesota, Bruce grew up playing baseball with his six brothers and their father, a baseball player who later managed a local team. Bruce was a high school basketball coach for four years and then a college basketball and baseball coach for nine years.
Felix inherited his grandfather’s passion for baseball. According to Bruce, Felix has improved every year since he started playing.
“I’m very lucky that my wife and I are able to enjoy a lot of quality time with all of our grandkids,” said Bruce, who, in addition to playing baseball together, regularly fishes, watches movies, rides bikes and Chat at home.
Felix hopes to pursue a career in baseball in the future. “When I play baseball, I don’t care about winning or losing. The important thing is to have fun,” he shared.
Responsible editor: Han Yu#
