In Photos: Jack Flaherty's mom Eileen melts hearts with adorable throwback snaps & emotional birthday message for Dodgers star
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty grabbed the attention of many following his game, winning seven shutout innings against the New York Mets in Game 1 of the NLCS on Tuesday.
Flaherty, who was acquired by the Dodgers at the trade deadline from the Detroit Tigers, was born and brought up in Burbank, California. He was adopted by Eileen Flaherty when he was just three weeks old.
On the occasion of his 29th birthday, Eileen shared throwback photos of young Jack Flaherty and wrote a heartfelt note to celebrate his birthday.
"Happy Birthday @jflare 🎂🎉🩷," she wrote. "29 years of togetherness filled with happiness, laughter, books, academia, friendships, camp, travel, brownies, basketball, football and baseball! We adore you to the moon and beyond 🚀 Have a fabulous day💕 GO @dodgers 💙 Always with love ❤️ Mama Flare🌸"
After winning Game 1, the Dodgers dropped Game 2 against the Mets to tie the series 1-1, heading to Citi Field.
With Games 3 and 4 possibly to be started by Walker Buehler and Yoshinobu Yamamoto respectively, Flaherty should again get the opportunity to pitch in front of his hometown in what's expected to be a pivotal Game 5.
Jack Flaherty's mother beams with pride seeing her son pitch in LA
Ahead of NLCS Game 1 against the Mets, Eileen took to Twitter, beaming with pride and letting the world know that her son was pitching the all-important game for the Dodgers. She posted Flaherty's photos from his time in Little League playing at Dodger Stadium.
“20 years later … this kid had his moment @Dodgers Stadium in the NLCS Game 1,” she posted. “We are so thankful for the joyful hugs, beaming smiles and overwhelming support. Let’s GO Blue.”
Moreover, seeing his mother in the stands, watching the game reminded Flaherty of his roots.
“We all talk about it when we’re playing wiffle ball or what not when we’re growing up,” he told reporters. “You just got to look at it as fun and not make things bigger than they are.”
If Jack Flaherty continues to pitch extraordinarily, there's a good chance he will help his team advance to the World Series this fall.