Didi Gregorius HR hits cutout, makes it up to Phillies fan

Phillies shortstop Didi Gregorius recently made a diehard fan’s day

Philadelphia Phillies star infielder Didi Gregorius is more than just a slugger and above-average player at shortstop. He is also a great guy at heart.

This past Tuesday, in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox, the 30-year old drove a 91 miles per hour four-seam fastball on an 0-2 count to the right-center field seats at Citizens Bank Park.

While the solo home run ball gave the Phillies a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning, setting up the 6-5 victory, it particularly drew the attention of a diehard fan Michael — whose cutout was hit.

CBS3 Eyewitness News’ Pat Gallen describes Michael as a “special Phillies fan who rarely misses a game.” And, surely, he saw Gregorius’ sixth home run ball of the season ricochet off of his cutout.

Well, somehow the nine-year veteran and his agent Kris at Excel Sports Management caught wind that Michael was unhappy and they connected.

Gregorius not only sent a note to Michael to apologize, but he also sent him signed batting gloves and a signed baseball.

Gregorius’ personalized note to Michael read: “Michael, Didi wanted to apologize for hitting your cardboard cutout in the head with his home run this week. He also wanted to send along some souvenirs. Hope you’re not angry at him! Go Phillies!”

Gallen says Gregorius’ gesture made Michael “ecstatic.”

Through 42 games, Gregorius has significantly contributed both at the plate and in the field to get the Phillies to where they are now; right in the mix of postseason contention — a rare feat in recent years for the franchise to be at in mid-September. Set to enter free agency in the offseason, Gregorius has slashed .277/.335/.466 in red pinstripes with six doubles, two triples, six home runs, and 25 RBI spanning 165 plate appearances.

It is nice to see Gregorius help make things up to Michael. If Gregorius re-signs, even more fans will be able to interact with him once in-person attendance hopefully resumes come the 2021 season.