Isaiah and Fallon Jackson were picked to throw out the first pitch before Wednesday’s game between the Rays and Nationals at Charlotte Sports Park. Picked to catch the pitch? Their father, CM1 Patrick Jackson of the U.S. Navy Seabees, who unbeknownst to them, was home on leave.
The Jacksons, who live in Port Charlotte, were part of the Military Appreciation Day celebration held before the game.
After the Jackson kids walked to the mound, their dad ran out of the Rays dugout dressed in a Rays uniform and wearing a catcher’s mask. After catching a strike from Isaiah, 7, Patrick Jackson ran to the mound, took off the mask and hugged his children, beginning with Fallon, 5.