Robinson gets standing ovation (37 percent of vote)
Team: Sacramento River Cats
Just over a year after losing his right eye in a suicide attempt, River Cats outfielder Drew Robinson received a standing ovation from the crowd at Sutter Health Park before his first at-bat on July 20. With his family watching from the stands, players from both dugouts stepped out to applaud him in his final game. Robinson announced his retirement a few days prior and has since transitioned into a role as a mental-health advocate with the San Francisco Giants.
Sergeant Rogers returns home (26 percent)
Team: Richmond Flying Squirrels
Air Force Master Sergeant David "Bradley" Rogers had been deployed for almost eight months. On July 15, he dressed up as a Flying Squirrels catcher and caught 10 first pitches in disguise. The final first pitches were thrown by his children, Carson (9) and Dallas (4). When they were finished throwing, Rogers removed his catcher’s mask to his children’s surprise.
Will you be my dad? (19 percent)
Team: Amarillo Sod Poodles
During a pregame catch on the field on Father's Day, a young fan named Destiny presented a sign with a question that would change both her and her father Jesus' lives forever. On the microphone, in front of all to see, she asked him if he would adopt her. He said yes, of course, and that he felt "blessed and grateful" to have Destiny in his life. Sod Poodles emcee Dennis Humpfrey had trouble containing his emotion; can you blame him?
Hudson Valley's D3 Day (13 percent)
Team: Hudson Valley Renegades
The Renegades' Disability Dream & Do (D3) Day is an annual sporting event held on the field for children and young adults with different challenges and special needs. In a particularly memorable moment from this year, D3 organizer Dave Stevens helped a blind participant hit the ball before they rounded the bases to score a run, celebrating with cheers, high fives, and a heartwarming embrace at home.
No Mini Parkers left behind (5 percent)
Team: Fresno Grizzlies
A fan favorite at Chukchansi Park, Fresno's Mini Parkers promo features children running around the outfield with mascot Parker while dressed up as the lovable character. On Aug. 7, one Mini Parker trailed behind the pack, but that night’s emcee, Cruz Gonzales, knows that no Mini Parker gets left behind.