Ramon Fuentes had an unforgettable day as he traveled from Colombia to Miami to witness his son Didier’s Major League Baseball debut. The excitement didn’t stop there; Ramon also caught a foul ball during the game at LoanDepot Park, making the experience even more special.
The action unfolded in the top of the first inning with two outs. Atlanta Braves player Austin Riley hit a fastball from Marlins pitcher Janson Junk high into the stands. The ball bounced off the netting and landed right in Ramon’s hands, who made a barehanded catch. This moment was particularly thrilling, as it occurred just before Didier took the mound for his first game.
Commentators noted how remarkable it was for Ramon to catch a foul ball on his first day at a big league game, especially since many fans go for years without ever getting one. "Let’s hope that is a sign of good things to come tonight," said analyst C.J. Nitkowski during the broadcast.
Didier’s debut, however, didn’t go as smoothly as hoped. The young pitcher, who turned 20 just days before, struggled during his five-inning outing, giving up four earned runs and six hits. Ultimately, the Braves lost 6-2 to the Marlins. Despite the loss, Didier made history as the youngest active player in the majors and the youngest starting pitcher for Atlanta since 1969.
Ranked as the 10th-best prospect in the Braves organization by MLB.com, Didier’s journey to the big leagues was marked by a solid season in the minors, where he posted a 4.81 ERA across nine starts. His performance on Friday was a significant milestone for him and for Ramon, who described the day as a late Father’s Day gift, with the foul ball serving as a cherished souvenir.