WATCH: Emotional Stephen Piscotty Receives Ovation In Return After Mother’s Death
by Matt George – Sports 1140 KHTK Reporter
Oakland Athletics outfielder Stephen Piscotty tragically lost his mother, Gretchen, to ALS on Sunday night. She was 55 years old.
Piscotty had been traded to Oakland by the St. Louis Cardinals following last season so that he could be closer to his mother, who lived in their hometown of Pleasanton, California. He was with her when she passed.
A family friend of the Piscottys confirms that Gretchen Piscotty died last night. I feel very fortunate to have met her even just for an hour or two. What a sad day for such a wonderful family, their friends and for Pleasanton. My deepest condolences.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) May 7, 2018
After missing Monday’s game, Piscotty returned to the team and requested to play Tuesday night against the Houston Astros. His father, Mike Piscotty, was in attendance.
Stepping to the plate for this first time, Stephen received an emotional ovation from both teams and the fans in attendance. Then he ripped a single to right-center.
The @Athletics faithful welcome back Stephen Piscotty for his first AB since his mother Gretchen passed away. pic.twitter.com/ZshvrrLgUA
— Cut4 (@Cut4) May 9, 2018
Last inning, Stephen Piscotty's dad, Mike, was shown on scoreboard thanking all for supporting Gretchen and the family. He added, “Thattaboy, Stephen, on that hit."
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) May 9, 2018
Before Wednesday afternoon’s game at the Oakland Coliseum, Piscotty reflected on last night’s events, the ovation, and his single.
Piscotty said he felt his mother’s presence last night — for example, five straight BP homers for first time — and tapped his chest when fans gave him standing ovation because that’s how his mother used to display her love near the end of her life.
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) May 9, 2018
Following Oakland’s current homestand, Piscotty is expected to take bereavement leave.
