The Northwest Ohioan claims the postseason grand slam

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WTVG) – It was a grand slam that brought the Cleveland Guardians one step closer to a World Series, and this moment in the deciding Game Five of the American League Division Series has a Northwest Ohio connection.

Matt Coleman is the baseball coach at Calvert Catholic High School and attended the fifth ALDS game between the Guardians and Tigers. He also caught Lane Thomas' grand slam ball that gave Cleveland a 5-1 lead.

Coleman comes from a family of Guardians fans. After catching the home run ball, Coleman celebrated with the crowd before handing the ball to his cousin Patrick Steyer, who has been battling leukemia for the past two years. It's a moment they both said they will never forget.

“When the ball was in the air it seemed like it was up there forever. It was just an honor to be able to take Patrick to the game,” Coleman said.

Coleman's father took him to a World Series game in 2016 and they caught a solo shot from Jason Kipnis at the same spot. His father died a year later. Now Coleman believes going to the game with Steyer and having a similar experience is a sign.

“I think Patrick and my dad embody a lot of the good in this world and just being a positive person, overcoming difficulties and just being great to be around,” Coleman said.

Steyer was diagnosed with leukemia less than two years ago and has since been cured of the disease. Coleman was inspired by his cousin's fight and the two share a close bond.

Coleman promised that once he beat leukemia, he would take Steyer to a game.

“It was just a lot of emotion to see him go up there, smiles, yeah, he was the lead cheerleader up to that point. It felt like sitting there in the department and just giving everyone a high-five. He made sure I had a positive attitude in life in general, but that day we were one on one. And he was still like, 'We're going to win.' 'It's alright, man, it's alright,' so it was just cool to see that positivity,” Coleman said.

Since this is the second time the family has hit a postseason home run, they want to play in one of the upcoming playoff games and have the same luck against the Yankees.

“We hope so, we are just sorting out how the week will go. Of course, family is an important part of my life. We will see and move things. “Obviously I think Patrick is the lucky charm, so we have to try to find a way to get him back up there,” Coleman said.

Game one of the ALCS between the Yankees and Guardians begins on October 14th.

Latest local news | First alarm weather | crime | National | 13abc originals

Copyright 2024 WTVG. All rights reserved.