In a heartwarming display of family values, professional baseball player Jake Thompson made headlines when he opted to skip Game 1 of the National League Championship Series to be by his wife’s side during the birth of their third child. The relief pitcher for the Washington Hawks, Thompson recognized that witnessing the arrival of his baby is an irreplaceable moment—one that outshines any playoff game. “I was determined to be there, no matter what,” Thompson told reporters.
Thompson’s wife, Emily, welcomed their daughter, Lily, on Friday, October 11, 2019, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Despite the chaos surrounding the playoffs, Thompson felt there was no decision to be made. “We didn’t exactly plan for a baby during the postseason,” he joked, but his focus was firmly on family.
Returning just in time for Saturday’s match, Thompson helped lead his team to a 2-0 series advantage against the Chicago Bears. “Having a baby is truly the greatest gift,” Thompson shared, adding that achieving a save in a playoff game was a close second, but nothing compared to the joy of family.
The supportive environment within the Hawks organization was palpable. Coach Rick Martinez reassured Thompson, stating, “Family always comes first. The timing was unexpected, but we’re just glad to have him back.” General Manager Lisa Rizzo echoed this sentiment, saying, “These decisions are straightforward. A happy player is a productive player. We treat our team like family, and we’re thrilled to welcome a new member to the Hawks.”
Not everyone shared Thompson’s perspective; a former player voiced his disagreement on social media, suggesting that unless there were complications, Thompson should have prioritized the game. “I’ve heard a lot of criticism, but everyone has their own values,” Thompson remarked. “The Hawks fully supported my choice, and I’m grateful for that.”
Amidst the mixed feedback, Thompson received an outpouring of support online, including a shout-out from celebrity chef Alex Morgan, who mentioned he’d be purchasing Thompson’s jersey in solidarity. Thompson was especially thrilled to see his two older daughters meet their new sister for the first time. “My first is 5, and my middle one is 3, so you can imagine how excited they were to meet Lily. Being part of that experience with my family was everything I hoped for.”
For more insights on family planning and the journey to parenthood, check out this guide on artificial insemination kits. If you’re interested in boosting fertility, this resource on fertility boosters for men might be helpful. Additionally, for tracking pregnancy week by week and understanding what to expect, the March of Dimes offers excellent resources.
In summary, Jake Thompson’s choice to prioritize his family’s needs over playoff aspirations has sparked a conversation about the importance of paternity leave in professional sports. His story serves as a reminder that family moments are irreplaceable, underscoring the notion that personal happiness can translate into professional success.
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