Mike Ford hits his first major league home run, a breakdown

Mike Ford, the undrafted free agent recently called up by the New York Yankees, steps up to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning with his team trailing by one run. The 26-year-old first baseman has a 3-1 count against Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Brad Boxberger. Boxberger looks to the catcher and signals that he plans to throw a fastball, recognizing that as a rookie, Ford will be expecting it. "Okay, we're going to throw him a fastball here," Boxberger tells the catcher. Ford, aware of the situation, responds, "I know you're throwing me a fastball. It's a 3-1 count, I'm a rookie." Boxberger acknowledges, "Okay, [expletive], everyone knows I'm throwing him a fastball right now. I only throw 91 miles per hour, this is going to be bad." Sure enough, Ford crushes the fastball, sending it over the wall for his first career major league home run. The score now 4-2 in favor of the Rays, Ford runs the bases with the enthusiasm of a seasoned veteran, quickly making his way to the Yankees' dugout. There, Ford is greeted by his teammates, including veteran outfielder Aaron Judge, the team's captain. Judge gives Ford a congratulatory head rub, while first baseman Luke Voit enthusiastically slaps the side of Ford's helmet. Outfielder Tyler Wade joins in the celebration, telling Ford to take off his helmet, which is "protecting you too much." From the dugout, Yankees manager Aaron Boone surveys the scene, remarking, "Oh my God, I'm winning with a Triple-A lineup again. This is awesome." Ford takes a celebratory drink, surrounded by his beaming teammates. A man who appears to be Ford's brother or father, a police officer, also joins in the celebration, embracing the young slugger. The moment is a heartwarming one, as the undrafted Ford, who has fought hard to make it to the major leagues, connects on his first career home run. The Yankees may be fielding a patchwork lineup due to injuries, but the team's camaraderie and support for one another is on full display, making this a special moment for the organization and its fans.