"I just didn't know somebody grabbed his ball" - Byron Buxton gives fan unforgettable moment, shares heartfelt response to autograph mishap
Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton acted when he heard that one of his autographed balls he gave to a young fan was snatched away. The eight-year-old Camden Cleveland was inconsolable following the incident, as described by his dad on social media. Sam, Camden's father, then took his son out for pizza and chicken tenders to console him.
It's funny what social media can do these days. The autograph ball mishap soon made headlines and when Buxton got wind of it, he more than made up for it.
During an interview, Byron Buxton mentioned that he remembered signing the ball for the kid but didn't know what unfolded afterwards. He remembered his three kids while relating to the situation.
“I just didn't know somebody grabbed his ball,” Buxton said. “That's the sucky part of it is, you do everything you're supposed to do right to get an autograph from your favorite person."
"Being in the position I'm in and to have that happen, that's obviously not something I want to happen to my kid. I felt bad. I felt the need to do a little bit more to try to brighten up his day," he added.
Byron Buxton fan receives "best day" treat following the incident
Buxton, Bally Sports North sideline reporter Audra Martin, the Twins and the Orioles decided to give Camden "the best day ever treat" on Wednesday, following Tuesday's incident.
This included a special day at the ballpark and also a Buxton-signed ball, bat and batting gloves.
When the family turned up in the parking lot, a message awaited them, prompting them to call a number only to find a representative of Orioles owner David Rubenstein on the other end. They awarded the family Rubenstein's own seats in the front row.
Moreover, Byron Buxton asked reporter Martin to give Camden gifts on his behalf during the game. When the young fan received it, he was emotional and had sunglasses to hide his tears.
“I never thought I was even going to get a gift,” Camden Cleveland said. “It made me feel really, really happy. The best day ever.”
His father, Sam, said the incident "reassures faith in humanity." He was happy that both clubs came together, treated his son to his "best ever day," and turned a negative incident into a happy story.