BOSTON, MA — Wilmington 10-year-old Jacob Doherty had the experience of a lifetime last Thursday night. A New York Yankees fan, Jacob got to meet one of his idols, Alex Rodriguez, during the Red Sox-Yankees series finale at Fenway Park.
When the retiring A-Rod entered the on-deck circle during the first inning, Jacob turned to his mom, Michele, and said “I’m heading down front to see A-Rod.”
Jacob, decked out in a Yankees t-shirt and baseball cap, got the retiring Rodriguez’s attention with a homemade sign. It read: “We will miss you, A-Rod. (Well, at least I will!)”
Jacob yelled to A-Rod and, to both Jacob and his mom’s astonishment, the 3-time MVP – in the last road game of his career – walked right over and started chatting.
Hey buddy, where are you from? Would you like to play a game with me,?” A-Rod asked Jacob. “If I get two hits, hit a home run, or the Yankees win the game, I’ll give you my bat.”
Jacob enthusiastically accepted the deal and gave A-Rod a fist bump as the 14-time All Star went up to bat.
While A-Rod went hitless at the plate, the Yankees did defeat the Red Sox, 4-2, so Jacob was ready to collect.
Jacob, who was yelling messages of encouragement to A-Rod during his four at-bats, was escorted onto the field at the conclusion of the game.
Jacob received a signed ball, a signed bat, and game-worn wrist bands from A-Rod. A-Rod thanked Jacob for his support and asked him about his Little League team.
While Jacob looked calm, cool and collected on the field, he admitted to his mom that he was nervous and shaking.
Jacob was interviewed by a Sports Illustrated reporter about the experience. Jacob’s story was also picked up by MLB.com, which captured video of the moment Jacob first spoke with A-Rod and later when A-Rod met with Jacob on the field.
After getting home from the game, Jacob went to bed wearing the wristbands and holding the autographed ball and bat. He instructed his mom not to wash any of the clothes he was wearing. He would not change out of the shirt he met A-Rod in for two days.
(PHOTO NOTES: 4 courtesy photos provided by the Doherty Family. Larger photo purchased from the AP and used with permission.)
Wilmington Apple 