Keibert Ruiz’s story shows the power of baseball

It was an emotional night for the Washington Nationals catcher, who played in front of his parents for the first time

Last night showed the beauty of baseball on so many levels. Heading to the yard last night, I thought the story would be Robert Hassell III’s debut. While that was a big story, and Hassell got two hits in his debut, another heartwarming story was happening at the ballpark.

Keibert Ruiz signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a 16 year old all the way back in 2014. He came over to the United States in 2016. Since 2016, his parents Jose and Leidys have never seen their son play live. However, that changed tonight.

On their fifth attempt, they finally got their Visa to come to the US to see their son in the MLB. They weren’t able to come for his MLB debut, they weren’t able to come for his Nationals debut, they weren’t able to come after Keibert got his big contract, but they are here now. This is also the first time they met Keibert’s son, their grandson.

Even if Keibert Ruiz went 0/4 with four strikeouts, this would be a special night for him. However, he had no intention of doing that. It had been a decade since his parents saw him play, and he was going to show them a good time. In his first at bat, Ruiz ripped an RBI double down the right field line that was just a couple feet away from being a home run.

The MASN camera crew did a fantastic job capturing the moment. After the hit, which made the game 2-1, they cut to Keibert’s emotional parents in the crowd, then panned to the Nationals catcher who was bursting with pride waving to his parents.

In the bottom of the fourth, Ruiz would get another RBI which gave the Nats the lead back. He also made a great tag to keep the game tied in the 9th. It was a great night both on and off the field for the Nationals catcher.

Tonight was one of those nights that makes you romantic about baseball. As a writer who covers this team everyday, it is easy to get stuck in the nitty gritty. However, moments like this remind you what baseball is really all about.

Keibert and his parents both made immense sacrifices to get here. They have not seen much of each other since Keibert was 16 years old. Now, for this moment, they are reunited and sharing this joy together.

Baseball has given Keibert Ruiz a lot. His hard work made him a big leaguer and a big contract that will help his family be financially secure for generations. Now he can share his gift with his parents on the biggest stage. Just seeing his pride in the post game interview was something special.

Ruiz has had a solid season himself. His pure hitting ability is showing, with a .283 average. While he hasn’t homered since March, the power will come if he swings like he did last night. Who knows, maybe this moment can help Keibert Ruiz unlock something in his game. Baseball is a beautiful sport, and last night reminded us of that.