Mookie Betts makes a move that TJ Friedl will never forget. David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Dodgers' Mookie Betts gifts Reds fan a bat after he tossed TJ Friedl's first home run ball back

By Erin Walsh | Last updated Sep 19, 2021 5:05 PM ET

Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl hit his first career home run on Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts realized it was Friedl's first home run, so he got the attention of the fan who caught the ball and asked for it. The fan obliged, and Betts returned the favor by gifting him a bat.

Mookie Betts gave this fan a bat after he threw Reds OF TJ Friedl's first HR ball back ❤️

(via @BallySportsCIN)pic.twitter.com/urO86rKIVE
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 19, 2021

This wasn't necessary by Betts, which makes it that much more awesome. Friedl was at Nevada when Betts made his big-league debut with the Boston Red Sox, so they likely don't have any connection.

According to Bobby Nightengale, Friedl went to the Dodgers clubhouse to thank Betts for the gesture after the game.

TJ Friedl said he wanted to visit Dodgers clubhouse to thank Mookie Betts personally for making sure he had the ball from his first hit (and home run). Friedl says it shows Betts' character. #Reds #Dodgers
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) September 19, 2021

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90

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