A regular occurrence at Fenway Park took on an extra special meaning for Mookie Betts on Monday.
During every Boston Red Sox home game, the team honors a current or former military member in a tradition called “Hats Off To Heroes.” During Monday’s game against the Chicago White Sox, the man being honored was none other than Betts’ father, Willie.
There he is, @mookiebetts' dad! He's tonight's #HatsOffToHeroes, a Vietnam vet. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/nYz7QJdK6T
— Red Sox (@RedSox) June 21, 2016
Willie Betts served in Vietnam as a member of the U.S. Air Force, and when he stood atop the Red Sox’s dugout, the Fenway Faithful gave him a huge ovation. Willie also gave a point and a nod to his son, who responded with a huge grin before taking the field.
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The Red Sox weren’t able to come away with the win, falling 2-1 in extra innings, but we’d imagine watching his son play at Fenway Park and getting a standing ovation from the home crowd was a pretty nice belated Father’s Day gift for Willie.
