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Meet the Dodger fan who caught Freddie Freeman's grand slam ball – NBC Los Angeles

A surprise trip to Dodger Stadium turned into the best day of a young Dodger fan's life.

When Freddie Freeman hit a walk-off grand slam in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday night to rescue the Dodgers, who were down 3-2 in the bottom of the 10th inning, he was a hero to all Dodger fans, also for 10 year olds – aged Zachary.

The fifth grader caught the ball coming straight toward him and his parents.

“When he hit the ball, we knew it was going to leave the park, but we had no idea we were going to catch it,” Zachary, whose parents declined to give the last name, said. “The ball hit the seat in front of us and rolled a little on the floor. Then I understood.”

It was a surprise that Zachary attended the game, as the boy with braces had initially been told by his parents that he was going to the dentist. The 10-year-old, who wore his Dodger gear all day during the game anyway, was looking forward to going to Dodger Stadium.

Then catching the historic ball was a total oddity.

“He was just crying – tears streaming down his eyes and a big smile on his face,” described Nico, Zachary’s father. “He only had tears of joy.”

While every fan in packed Dodger Stadium was happy for the grand slam ball, Zachary said other fans were happy for him.

“Everyone wanted to take a photo with me. Everyone wanted to see the ball. I was just bullied,” the young fan remembers.

Zachary's father said he thinks any fan who truly loves baseball would understand the excitement his son felt.

“They share the same opinion. “It was incredible,” said Nico. “Even the Yankees fans out there were overwhelmed by what happened and even quite excited. It was just an incredible atmosphere.”

The family is now trying to get the ball signed by Freddie Freeman himself.

With the World Series far from over, Zachary is hoping for another surprise from his parents.

Maybe another dentist appointment will help.