San Diego Padres slugger Manny Machado has worked his way to being a top player in the league. He is somebody his team can depend on and is a big part of his club's recent success.
While he has trained tirelessly to get to where he is today, he also had some help from his family, specifically his mother. His father was not in the picture, so it was his mother, Rosa, driving him to practices and games, and being in his corner.
In 2018, Machado teamed up with ESPN to deliver a special message to his mother on Mother's Day. It was a deep and powerful letter that quickly left Rosa in tears.
"She was always there, watching me play. There's nothing better than having your mom push you and giving you all the support you can when you're out in that field. She made the dreams come true," Machado said.
Machado was asked to read the letter that he had written, but he did not know that his mother was listening in the other room.
"Mom, I want to wish you a happy Mother's Day. I want to thank you for everything you have done for me. Not only were you the best mother, but you were also a father all at the same time," Machado said.
It did not take long for the tears to start falling as Rosa heard those words from her son. It was an emotional moment that would only get more emotional as the letter went on.
"I can never repay you for all the sacrifices that you made and for working multiple jobs to help support my dreams and to support our family. I am thankful for who you are and for helping me accomplish all of my goals," Machado said.
Manny Machado and the Padres looking to end their rival's season
Manny Machado and the San Diego Padres are looking to bring home their first World Series title. However, they are deadlocked with their in-state rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The NLDS Series is tied at two games apiece with Game 5 slated for Friday at 8:08 p.m. EDT. A win for San Diego could shift the rivalry here as the Padres ended the Dodgers season in 2022.
Baseball fans will not want to miss out on this winner-takes-all game on Friday.