A father in Florida has captured the nation's attention after he saved his son from being hit in the face by a wayward baseball bat. He has spoken to the media for the very first time following the viral incident.
During a FaceTime interview with the Today show crew, Shaun Cunningham, 37, said he basically had no time to think. His instincts told him to hoist his outstretched arm to block the flying baseball bat.
"I didn't have a lot of time to think," said the hero dad. "Once I realized it was headed for my son, I just did anything I could to block it and deflect it." He added that his wife got nauseous after hearing about what had happened and seeing snapshots of it online.
@BiertempfelTrib The two frames showing just how close the bat was to the boy's head. pic.twitter.com/7VwnfWp8L1
— Christopher Horner (@Hornerfoto1) March 6, 2016
The Atlanta Braves-Pittsburgh Pirates match on Saturday was the first time Cunningham took his eight-year-old son Landon to watch a baseball game. They were seated just above where the protective netting ended, as per The Telegraph.
It was Pirates outfielder Danny Ortiz who hurled the bat to the direction of the crowd. He was oblivious to what had happened until his wife showed him the viral pictures at home.
Cunningham said Ortiz is planning to get in touch with him and his son. However, the Cunninghams assured Ortiz that he has nothing to worry about.
"It was an accident; things happen. I wouldn't want it to affect his play," explained Cunningham. "He's a good ballplayer and he's got a shot. I want him to not worry about it. This kid's fine. He's tough."
As for little Landon, Al Roker told him the Braves will be sending him a signed baseball jersey from Freddie Freeman, his favorite player. "Oh my goodness,'' Landon exclaimed. "My first baseball game was amazing,''
Dan Shanoff of ESPN said the viral incident was a good reminder that parents should put their child's safety first. He pointed out that going to games together is one of the most amazing perks of parenthood. It's a great time to do away with smartphones and just enjoy the moment with your kids.
