Mother’s Day took on a whole new meaning for Mary Jung this year, as her sons, Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung and Detroit Tigers third baseman Jace, faced off in a game that will be remembered for generations. The third game of a three-game series between the Tigers and Rangers at Comerica Park in Detroit turned into a family affair, with Mary Jung not just watching from the stands but taking center stage.
According to MLB Research, as shared by Sarah Langs of MLB.com, Josh and Jace are only the seventh pair of brothers to play against each other on Mother’s Day in the last 45 years. The day started with a touching pre-game ceremony where Mary, sporting a custom uniform that proudly displayed both her sons’ teams, threw out the first pitch. Josh and Jace joined her on the mound, a moment that captured the essence of family pride amidst the competitive spirit of the game.
But Josh wasn’t done making it a day to remember. In the top of the fifth, he smashed a 95 mph sinker from Tigers reliever Beau Brieske, sending a 392-foot two-run homer into left-center field. That blast not only gave the Rangers a 5-0 lead but also etched a piece of history. The Texas Rangers PR team, citing the Elias Sports Bureau, noted that Josh’s homer was the first by a player facing his brother on Mother’s Day since at least 1969. Evan Carter scored on the play, adding to the celebration.
The Rangers went on to win 6-1, with Josh, 27, going 2-for-4, including that homer and two RBIs. Jace, 24, had a quieter day at the plate, going 0-for-3, but the outcome of the game seemed secondary to the occasion. For Mary Jung, it wasn’t about who won or lost; it was about watching her boys live their dreams.
“My heart is just exploding. I mean, I couldn’t ask for a better Mother’s Day gift,” Mary shared during an interview on the Rangers telecast. “We’re all in the same place to begin with. But then to watch them live their dream, do what they love to do. I couldn’t be more proud.”
This Mother’s Day wasn’t just another game; it was a testament to family, resilience, and the joy of seeing loved ones thrive. For Mary, it was a day her heart couldn’t contain, a memory that will undoubtedly be cherished long after the final out.
