When it comes to the birth of a child, being present for the moment is a priceless experience. This was the choice made by Major League Baseball player Jake Thompson, a relief pitcher for the Washington Senators, who opted to miss the first game of the American League Championship Series to be by his wife’s side as they welcomed their third child into the world.
“I was determined to be there, no matter what,” Thompson told reporters following the event, showcasing the importance of family during such a significant life moment.
Thompson’s wife, Emily, gave birth to a lovely baby girl named Ava on October 11, 2019, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Despite the timing being less than ideal, Thompson humorously remarked, “We didn’t exactly plan for a baby in the midst of the playoffs.” Still, he felt it was crucial to be present for the birth.
After this important family milestone, Thompson made it back just in time for the next game, where the Senators gained a 2-0 series lead against the Chicago Cubs. “Having a baby is the most incredible blessing one could experience,” Thompson expressed. “Getting a save in a playoff game comes second to that, but it’s pretty amazing, too.”
The support from his team was evident, with Senators’ manager Mark Lewis stating, “I told him, ‘Family comes first.’ I completely understand. The timing was just unexpected.” General Manager Sarah McCarthy echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that “happy players perform better. We must prioritize their wellbeing. We’ve welcomed a new member to our Senators family.”
However, not everyone agreed with Thompson’s decision. Former MLB executive Gary Johnson expressed his disapproval on social media, stating, “It’s hard to believe Jake Thompson is missing game 1 of the ALCS for paternity leave. The only valid excuse would be complications with the birth.”
In response, Thompson acknowledged the differing opinions but stood firm in his priorities. “We heard some negative comments, but every individual has their own values. This organization was fully supportive of my choices, and I truly appreciate that,” he said.
Thompson also received an outpouring of positivity online, including support from well-known figures like athlete Vanessa Williams. He expressed his joy in seeing his two older daughters meet baby Ava for the first time. “I have two older girls, so now I have my third. My oldest is 5, and my middle child is 3. They were overjoyed to meet their new sister,” he shared. “Being there for my family during this moment was everything I had hoped for.”
For anyone considering the journey of parenthood, whether through traditional means or alternative methods, resources such as Cryobaby’s home intracervical insemination syringe kit and at-home insemination kits can provide valuable assistance. Additionally, the Mayo Clinic offers excellent insights on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, Jake Thompson’s choice to prioritize his family during his daughter’s birth has sparked conversations about paternity leave in professional sports. While opinions may vary, the overwhelming support from his team illustrates the importance of family over competition.
Keyphrase: paternity leave in sports
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