San Francisco Giants center fielder Jung Hoo Lee‘s first MLB home run gave him a memory he’ll never forget.
Lee’s home run came in the top of the eighth inning with the Giants leading the San Diego Padres 3-1. With one out and facing a 1-1 pitch, the lefty slugger slammed a slider from Padres pitcher Tom Cosgrove with an exit velocity of 104.4 mph.
After the game, Lee met the family who caught the ball — taking pictures and giving them autographed balls. The family was originally from the Bay Area but moved to San Diego and have since become Padres fans.
A night that Jung Hoo and this family will never forget 🥺 #NothingLikeIt pic.twitter.com/KAS8mEvscr
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) March 31, 2024
The young boy told Lee that his favorite player was Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim — Lee’s close friend. Through his translator, Lee told the boy that he’ll tell Kim about meeting the young fan during dinner.
Lee’s teammates also gave him a beer shower to celebrate the achievement.
Lee signed with the Giants back in December 2023 on a six-year, $113 million contract, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The Padres were in the running to sign the Korean slugger due to his friendship with Kim, but Lee ultimately chose the Giants.
Lee had two RBIs in four at-bats Saturday to add to his home run in the Giants’ 9-6 win.