Adam LaRoche made a somewhat shocking decision to leave $13 million on the table and retire before the season when the Chicago White Sox gave him a hard time about his son hanging out in the clubhouse. LaRoche’s former team, the Washington Nationals, never had a problem with Drake being around. In fact, the Nats are ready to welcome Adam and Drake back for a ceremonial first pitch this postseason.
According to Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post, the Nationals have confirmed that LaRoche will throw out the first pitch before Game 2 of the NLDS and his son will be on the receiving end.
Nationals confirm: Livan Hernandez will throw out the first pitch before Game 1 of the NLDS. Adam and Drake LaRoche, Game 2.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) October 5, 2016
From Nationals PR: "Just to clarify, Adam LaRoche will be throwing out the first pitch before Saturday's game. Drake will catch it."
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) October 6, 2016
On Wednesday, Nationals chief revenue and marketing officer Valerie Camillo told 106.7 The Fan that the Nats are a “family-oriented team,” so it’s quite obvious they extended the invite to Adam and Drake because of what happened in Chicago.
LaRoche played for the Nationals from 2011 through 2014, and Drake was always seen around the ballpark and clubhouse. Adam Kilgore of The Washington Post wrote in 2013 that Drake, who was 11 at the time, ran errands for the team and was referred to as the “26th man.” When LaRoche announced he was retiring back in March, former teammate Bryce Harper commended him.
Good for you Roche! Nothing like father and son in the clubhouse..It's a FAMILY game #FamilyFirst
— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) March 16, 2016
While LaRoche has said his disagreement with the White Sox over Drake’s presence was not the only reason he called it a career, Chris Sale made it clear it was a pretty big deal when he created this tribute to Adam and Drake in the Chicago locker room. In hindsight, the White Sox have to know they came out looking horrible.
H/T D.C. Sports Bog
