Boy Whose Love Of Baseball Was Inspired By Great Grandpa Surprises Him With First-Ever Game Ball

A boy whose great-grandpa inspired his love of baseball surprised him with his first-ever game ball after 12 strikeouts. Eight-year-old Cash shares an incredibly close bond with his great-grandpa Rich "Pop" Gamble, 82, from Pennsylvania, who has always had a love of America's pastime. Growing up, Rich would walk himself to practices and games because he didn't have anyone to take him or cheer him on from the sidelines – and so he wanted to make sure that was not the case for Cash. Rich, shaped by such experiences, first told Cash baseball stories when he was a youngster, before moving on to softball pitching to his great-grandson and driving Cash to and from the ballfield for games and practice, while Cash's dad, Tyler, 37, drove in a car close behind. It was also Rich who influenced Cash's choice to wear the number three on his jersey. Having watched Cash swinging when he was just four years old, Rich said that his great-grandson "looks like a little Babe Ruth," which prompted Cash to change from wearing number four to three, the famous Yankee slugger's number. And so, when Cash, dubbed "Bambino" by his Pop after Ruth, was presented with his first-ever game ball for being the best player on the field, he kept on his number three jersey and knew exactly where he was heading. On April 15, the eight-year-old headed to his Meme and Pop's house, still in his team's uniform, where Rich first gave Cash a welcome hug. Then, Cash went on to explain how well he'd played in the game – scoring 12 strikeouts in four innings during what was the first game of the season – and how he’d been given the game ball, which he wanted his great grandpa to have. A proud Rich was visibly touched by the gesture, his voice cracking as he said, "Thank you," before giving Cash another hug as he held the ball tight.