KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Aaron Ashby entered Saturday’s game in the sixth inning for a moment that went unnoticed by most fans and media around the country, but it was a special day for the 27-year-old lefthander.
Ashby is a Park Hill High School graduate who grew up rooting for the Royals.
“Watched quite a few baseball games here — especially in ’15,” Ashby said.
His father, Curtis Ashby, confirmed his son’s allegiance.
“Oh yes, he was always a Royals fan,” Curtis Ashby said.
“And so to actually be on the field and playing is really cool,” Aaron Ashby said.
Things got exciting for the Ashby family when Aaron’s favorite player came to the plate.
“I’m honestly a huge fan of Salvy,” Aaron Ashby said.
“It was awesome — nerve-racking but awesome,” Curtis Ashby said.
Aaron’s stepmother, Amy Ashby, shared the excitement.
“But to see two of my favorite players out there, with Aaron pitching and Salvy batting — very exciting,” she said.
Aaron has pitched in 10 postseason games and earned a reputation for clutch performances, but facing Salvador Perez was a special moment.
“It’s weird facing that guy, because I watched him all of my high school, college, that was one of my favorite players growing up in Kansas City,” Aaron Ashby said.
With his family cheering him on, Aaron got Perez to bounce out.
“I loved watching him pitch against Salvy. I’m a huge Royals fan, so it was kind of tough,” Amy Ashby said.
“It’s awesome to be able to play in front of them and have them cheer me on,” Aaron Ashby said.
The Royals and Brewers split Saturday’s doubleheader. They play their series finale Sunday at 1:10 p.m.
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