Andy Pages delivered a crucial two-run home run in the fifth inning to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to victory over the San Francisco Giants, turning the tide in a tightly contested game. The Dodgers were trailing 3-2 with two outs when Pages capitalized on a mistake pitch by Giants’ pitcher Ryan Walker, sending a 399-foot homer deep into the park, securing the win on Father’s Day.
Significance of the Home Run for Pages
While the homer helped the Dodgers clinch the victory, it held deeper emotional meaning for Pages. Speaking through his interpreter, Pages revealed the home run was dedicated to his father, whom he has rarely been able to see over the years. He expressed the special connection the moment carried for him during this sentimental holiday.
“Yeah, it was a great series win against a good team over there, Great to come through in that moment, but it was a home run hit for my dad, who I haven’t seen in a really well in a long time.”
—Andy Pages, Dodgers center fielder
Pages explained that it has been two years since he last saw his dad, after a previous seven-year gap without contact. Despite the long separation, their relationship remains close, making the rarity of their meetings particularly difficult.
“He’s the one that helped me in my baseball career. He is the one that got me to play baseball. It’s a really emotional, really special moment to hit a home run in that situation. Because I haven’t seen him, obviously, it’s really hard at times. But at the same time, it was really special to hit a home run on Father’s Day.”
—Andy Pages, Dodgers center fielder
Challenges in Staying Connected Across Distance
Pages also described the challenges of maintaining daily communication with his father. Living in Cuba, Pages faces frequent electrical outages that sometimes interrupt their ability to speak for days. Despite these difficulties, he remains hopeful that he will soon be able to tell his father about the home run in person.
“I’m going to call my dad later and talk to him about the home run. I dedicated that home run to him, how special it was, and hopefully we could just chat.”
—Andy Pages, Dodgers center fielder
Dodgers Manager Reflects on Pages’ Emotional Moment
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his admiration for Pages and acknowledged the personal struggles the player endures away from the field. Roberts highlighted how remarkable it is for Pages to balance such emotional challenges with his professional responsibilities.
“I can appreciate it as much as I possibly can imagine it, which for me, it’s unimaginable, But I think that really speaks to, yeah, I don’t know how he’s been able to compartmentalize that. So for him to have a moment like that is special.”
—Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
Looking Ahead
Andy Pages’ game-winning home run not only secured a crucial victory for the Dodgers but also underscored the powerful personal story behind the athlete’s performance. This Father’s Day moment may serve as a catalyst in his season, fueling both his professional success and the hope for a future reunion with his father. The Dodgers will look to build on this momentum as their season continues against tough competition.