Charleston Shooting Victim's Son Gets Surprise from New York Yankees During HOPE Week

Chris Singleton, the son of a victim in the Charleston church shooting, was given the surprise opportunity to throw the first pitch for the New York Yankees as part of the team's HOPE Week. The 19-year-old baseball player tragically lost his mother when gunman Dylann Roof shot and killed nine victims in the historical South Carolina church. Since the incident, he has had a “love over hate” attitude, which many people across the country have been taking notice of. The New York Yankees surprised Singleton on the Today Show this week, who was sitting with John Cena, inviting him to throw out the first pitch at their home game.

Before the game, he also got to go to a special lunch with several other players from the team, and even took part in batting practice with the entire team just before the stadium opened up.

During batting practice, Brett Gardner, another native of Charleston, revealed that Singleton had hit a couple of homers while inside the stadium. He told the NY Daily News, “He actually hit a couple homers in Yankee Stadium, which not many of his buddies can say, so I know he’ll have some good stories when he goes back home.”

Singleton chimed in, saying, “I think I hit three, but one might’ve hooked foul, I’m not sure. I’ll count it anyway.”

Since the mass shooting took place, and losing his beloved mother, Singleton has been occupying himself with baseball to help clear his thoughts. He hopes to one day pursue a career in the major leagues, and believes that his mom is guiding him throughout his journey.

Speaking with the NY Daily News, he revealed that he doesn’t know if he would consider himself a role model to others. “That’s what people keep saying. I don’t know if I’m a role model, but I feel honored when somebody says that to me,” he states.