CINCINNATI -- Reds fans won’t soon forget Joey Votto’s 34th home run of the season.
The Reds first baseman hit the homer off New York Mets reliever Jeurys Familia Thursday afternoon.
The fact that the home run gave the Reds a 5-2 lead paled in comparison to the light in the eyes and smile of a 6-year-old fan as Votto handed him his home-run bat and jersey.
A home run will make someone's day.
The same bat and jersey will make your whole year. pic.twitter.com/7PmZY30uKg
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) August 31, 2017
Walter Herbert, nicknamed "Superbubz" by his friends and family, is fighting stage 4 neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer, The Score reported. Chive Charities, an organization dedicated to helping individuals with rare medical conditions, helped the Herbert family meet Votto at the Reds clubhouse the week before the home run.
Herbert’s father, Wally Herbert, thought Votto might say hello to his son as he walked by the stands Thursday. When Votto came over for a high five and then gifted him the bat and jersey, “I kind of lost it, personally,” the elder Herbert said.
“I think they really have connected, and it’s r
The world needs more people like Joey Votto. pic.twitter.com/3wg2l4Ob8h
— MLB (@MLB) August 31, 2017
The younger Walter Herbert had practiced with FC Cincinnati earlier in the day, also courtesy of Chive. His father said moments like these help buoy his son through cancer treatments and other less rosy experiences.
"When the bad days happen, this gives us something to talk about to Bubz,” he said. "What (Votto) did for Bubz was amazing. I was tearing up. You can't have a better day than we had today."
Joey Votto and Superbubs met last week during batting practice... pic.twitter.com/iXjOkbXTNt
— Reds Media Relations (@RedsPR) August 31, 2017
Walter left Great American Ball Park Thursday with Votto’s jersey, bat and ball.
The Herbert family hopes it can help morre children like Walter by raising money to make September Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. They’ll be holding a fundraiser to support that cause at the Public House Sept. 16 in Cheviot, Ohio.
