This young pitcher may have won the big game for his high school’s baseball team, but his true character shined forth after he threw the final pitch.
Mounds View High School was winning 4-0 against the Totino-Grace team in the final game of the season. Whichever team ended up on top would move on to the Minnesota state championships.
Senior pitcher Ty Koehn was on the mound with just one more batter to beat before they would win the game. When Koehn successfully struck out the batter, his teammates rushed onto the field in celebration—but the hurler did just the opposite.
He ran towards the plate so he could comfort the batter.
LOOK: Striking Photo Shows Baseball Fan Standing in Rain to Hold Umbrella Over ‘Soldier’
He had been friends with Jack Kocon since they played in Little League together. Even though they ended up going to different schools, they stayed friends over the years.
When Koehn’s pitching ended the season for Jack last week, he said that he “instinctually” ran towards his dejected friend and wrapped him up in a hug, offering encouragement.
RELATED: NFL Player Rescues Distressed Woman at Airport So She Doesn’t Miss Her Flight
As Koehn recalled the incident to WCCO, he remembers telling Jack: “You had a great season, you’re a great player and don’t let this situation, don’t let this outcome affect our friendship… I told him I loved him and he’s my brother and our friendship will always last longer than this silly game.”
The encouragement did not fall on deaf ears, either.
“In 20 years I’m not gonna remember the score of that game. But I’m gonna remember him coming up to me after that and just kind of being there for me when I needed someone,” Kocon told the news outlet.
(WATCH the heartwarming video below)
Score Big With Your Friends And Share This Sweet Story On Social Media – Screen capture from Youtube