MLB witnesses heartwarming moment, Atlanta Braves catcher exchanges lineup card with brother who plays for the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras and his younger brother William Contreras of the Atlanta Braves exchanged lineup cards, displaying a heart-warming camaraderie before Thursday's game.
Willson & William Contreras exchange the lineup card before tonight's game. https://t.co/hSzZmHT9NP
"Willson & William Contreras exchange the lineup card before tonight's game." - @ Marqee Sports Network
On Thursday, April 28, the defending champion Atlanta Braves faced the Chicago Cubs in the last game of a three-game series.
Before the series finale at Truist Park, the Atlanta Braves recalled William Contreras. It led both brothers Contreras to participate in the game.
Willson Contreras, the catcher for the Chicago Cubs, wiped away tears as the two hugged and embraced for a few seconds. It was emotional for him to witness his younger brother, William, on the same field in an Atlanta Braves uniform. The two Contreras brothers took advantage of the chance to swap lineup cards as a way to commemorate the occasion.
William said, “It was a special moment in my life. Truly kind of a dream come true for us to be able to share the field together in just a very unique moment for us and my family."
He continued, "I always recall those moments when we were growing up together back home, it's your dream to get signed by somebody and to get to the big leagues."
After the game, Willson and William couldn't hide their emotions while talking about this brotherly bond and their journey from Venezuela to the major leagues.
Why was Willliam Contreras of the Atlanta Braves recalled?
William made his major league debut as a catcher with the Atlanta Braves in July of 2020. He appeared in 52 games for the Braves in 2021, including one game in the National League Division Series, where the Braves eliminated the Milwaukee Brewers on their way to winning the World Series.
William Contreras gives the @Braves an early lead with this three-run blast. https://t.co/vdPwIhOREK
"William Contreras gives the @Braves an early lead with this three-run blast." - @ MLB Pipeline
While Travis d'Arnaud was sidelined last year, the younger Contreras filled in as Atlanta's regular catcher.
Travis d'Arnaud will go on the IL and rookie catcher William Contreras will be activated to replace him. Snitker said d'Arnaud's injury is "not good" and could be serious, but they'll wait for diagnosis after he's flown back to Atlanta to be examined by team doctor Sunday.
"Travis d'Arnaud will go on the IL and rookie catcher William Contreras will be activated to replace him. Snitker said d'Arnaud's injury is "not good" and could be serious, but they'll wait for diagnosis after he's flown back to Atlanta to be examined by team doctor Sunday." - @ David O' Brien
On Thursday, William Contreras was recalled by the Braves after Manny Piña was placed on the injured list with left wrist inflammation.
Manny Piña on 10-day IL for left wrist inflammation and William Contreras activated. Contreras’ older brother is, of course, Cubs catcher Willson Contreras. The brothers will take lineup cards out tonight, both managers agreed to do that so they can get a picture for their mom.
"Manny Piña on 10-day IL for left wrist inflammation and William Contreras activated. Contreras’ older brother is, of course, Cubs catcher Willson Contreras. The brothers will take lineup cards out tonight, both managers agreed to do that so they can get a picture for their mom." - @ David O'Brien
This year, William Contreras was on Atlanta's Opening Day roster, but he intends to spend the most of the season honing his talents at the plate. Contreras has a .220 batting average with eight home runs, 24 RBIs, and 19 runs in 57 major-league at-bats.