UVA’s Michaels blasts first HR for memorable Father’s Day originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
Sunday was a special day for University of Virginia catcher Logan Michaels.
Not only did Michaels blast a solo homerun in the third inning of Virginia's opening game of the College World Series against Tennessee that would give the team a lead it would never relinquish, but he did it with a very important fan in the stand.
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Michaels' father, Jeff, was there in Omaha to watch him hit his first homer of the season, on Father's Day nonetheless. Jeff Michaels had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer three years ago.
Following the game, Logan Michaels got emotional when reflecting on what the moment meant to him and his family.
“There’s no words for it. When I hit that homerun I just instantly thought about him, just everything he’s gone through. Just emotional, everything he’s done for me," Michaels said to ESPN. "From when I was a little kid to this point, and for him to be here to watch me hit my first home run this year at the College World Series, it’s really special.”
As Michaels' father battled cancer, there were times in which he was unable to make it to some of his son's games. That only made the moment on Sunday that much sweeter, as both understood how special it was for the two to share in the biggest game of Michaels' career. Jeff Michaels also got to keep the homerun ball.
“I just want to say I love you, with everything I got. Just, I wouldn’t be here today without you," Michaels said. "With all the work you put in when I was younger, to this point. Thank you very much for everything, happy Father’s Day dad I love you so much.”
As far as Father's Day gifts go, Michaels nailed it.
