Remembering Dallas Braden's emotional perfect game on Mother's Day

With over 200,000 MLB games played over it’s long history, only 23 pitchers have managed to pitch a Perfect Game (21 in the modern era). Greats like Cy Young, Sandy Koufax, Randy Johnson, and Roy Halladay all experienced the special feat, but Dallas Braden’s perfect game in 2010 as a member of the Oakland A’s may be the most special of all.

Braden’s perfect game came on May 9^th, 2010, which happened to also be Mother’s Day. For Braden, Mother’s Day was an emotional day of the year because his mother, who raised him, had passed away from cancer while he was in high school. Following the passing, Braden was then put into the care of his grandmother Peggy Lindsey.

As part of his Mother’s Day appreciation, Braden invited his grandmother to come watch him pitch. With a little extra wind in his sails, Braden retired all 27 batters, marking the 19^th perfect game in league history.

After the teammate celebrations had eased up, Braden was allowed a special embrace with his grandmother who had made her way down to the field.

It doesn’t get much more special than that. The emotional hug at the end is enough to make any Grinch’s heart grow three sizes.

Happy Mother’s Day!