It’s summer and the baseball season is in full swing, bringing with it emotional moments that only seem possible on a baseball diamond. On June 28, New York Yankees pitcher Domingo German completed only the 24th perfect game in MLB history and gave a stunning interview following the game.
German came into the game with a different set of emotions than he had become accustomed to in the Major Leagues. That night was less about baseball and more about mourning the death of his uncle, who had passed away just two days before the start. So, with a heavy heart, German took the mound, prepared to dedicate his performance to a lost family member.
The 24th Perfect Game in MLB History
It Belongs to Domingo German pic.twitter.com/bPQtb9gbmf
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 29, 2023
The perfect game, which is one of the rarest and most impressive feats in all of sports, was impressive enough. But, the interview that followed was tear-jerking from the moment it started. “Unfortunately, two days ago an uncle of mine passed away,” German said. “And I cried a lot yesterday in the clubhouse. So I had him with me throughout the whole game. I was thinking about him and it happened.”
The Dominican-born pitcher continued that he knew his uncle was watching and would be proud of his nephew’s performance. “This game is a tribute to him. He would have been so happy. He was always someone that really brought a joy to our family, and it happened for him to watch it this way, from up there.”
Domingo Germán dedicated this perfect game to his uncle, who passed away two days ago
German says he cried a lot yesterday and thought about him throughout the game tonight pic.twitter.com/t3sW4y6WF8
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) June 29, 2023
Amidst all of the emotional turmoil that he faced, German was also able to appreciate just how special this moment was. He spoke about the gratitude that he feels for being given such a great opportunity, saying, “When you think about something very unique in baseball, you know not many people have an opportunity to pitch a perfect game.”
German also basked in the glory of knowing that his name will forever be associated with the greatest pitching feat in baseball. “To accomplish something like this in my career, you know, is something that I’m going to remember forever, be part of history.”
German also received praise and kind words from his teammate and catcher, Kyle Higashioka. While German was struggling in the middle of the season recently, Higashioka believed that the young pitcher was capable of greatness.
“I’m just happy for Domingo. He’s had a rough last couple starts,” Higashioka said. “And he’s kind of been dragging a little bit. And just for him to do this and get back to being himself – I kind of always felt out of anyone he has a really good chance to do something like this, and for it to all come together tonight is amazing.”
As the saying goes, how could you not be romantic about baseball? Just two days following the death of a loved one, a pitcher goes out and puts on the performance of a career, matching a feat that has only been achieved 24 times in the more than hundred-year history of the sport.
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