10-Year-Old Catches Freddie Freeman’s Grand Slam at Dodgers Game – A Dream Come True
Zachary Ruderman, a 10-year-old Dodgers superfan, had a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night. What started as a surprise trip to watch Game 1 of the World Series turned into a moment he’ll never forget when he snagged Freddie Freeman’s game-winning grand slam.
From Orthodontist to World Series Hero
Zachary had been looking forward to the orthodontist appointment that would allow him to leave school early. Little did he know, his father had a surprise in store. Instead of going straight home, they were headed to Dodger Stadium!
“He wore Dodgers gear to school that day. He’s got a whole wardrobe full of Freddie Freeman shirts,” his father, Nico Ruderman, said.
The Moment of a Lifetime
Zachary and his family enjoyed pre-game tacos before settling into their seats in the right-field pavilion. In the bottom of the 10th inning, with the Dodgers trailing, Freeman stepped up to the plate. The tension was palpable as he connected with the ball, sending it soaring towards the bleachers.
“Everybody was on their feet, nobody was even sitting,” Zachary recounted. “I was standing on the bleacher seat so I could see. A second or two after the crack of the bat, I realized it was coming directly toward us.”
Zachary Ruderman holds up Freddie Freeman’s grand slam ball with his parents, Nico and Anne, at his side.
(Courtesy of Nico Ruderman)
Zachary’s moment.
Zachary said, “Everybody was on their feet, nobody was sitting. I was on the bleacher seat so I could see. A second or two after the bat, I realized it was coming toward us.