On a day that featured an up-close look at World Series trophies, an intimate tour of Dodger Stadium, a bevy of autographs and all kinds of free swag, somehow, it was a small pack of sunflower seeds that might have made the biggest impression on 14-year-old KK.
The teen, who’s living with a critical illness, headed out to Chavez Ravine on Tuesday afternoon with her family thanks to Make-A-Wish and its official sports partner Fanatics.
While the day was packed with tickets to see the Dodgers plus all kinds of treats and surprises, an adorable pregame moment with Teoscar Hernandez might have just topped them all.
KK, a Northern California native who’s real name is Kaylyn, said at the start of the day one of the biggest reasons she loved the Dodgers was because of Hernandez’s home run celebrations.
KK explained she thought the way he doused his power-hitting teammates with sunflower seeds was hilarious – especially because “he doesn’t have favorites.”
“He does it for everybody,” she said of the Dodgers outfielder.
Little did she know, a few hours later, she’d be right in the middle of one of those famous Hernandez home run rituals.
The two-time All-Star brought KK over to the dugout as she was watching Los Angeles warm up for its matchup with the Mets, and he went on to show her exactly how it feels to be on the receiving end of a sunflower seed shower.
Then, he let her toss some seeds on him.
The two shared a big embrace afterward, and KK’s smile was visible from all parts of the stadium.
An incredible moment, indeed, but certainly not the only one.
KK, too, got to meet her favorite player, Freddie Freeman.
The Dodgers first baseman surprised her with a custom No. 5 “KK” jersey, signed some autographs for her and then spent about half an hour chatting with her and her family.
They talked about video games, puzzles and walk-off home runs, and there was even a conversation about fingernail painting that Freeman — who’s expecting a baby girl with his wife, Chelsea, soon — initiated.
KK loved it all, and called Freeman “the nicest.”
“It was amazing,” she said of her encounter with the three-time World Series champion. “He’s like the sweetest.”
Grace Farraj, the executive director of the Fanatics Foundation, told The California Post the experience all came about just a few weeks ago, after they heard it was KK’s dream to spend a day with Freeman and the Dodgers.
She called KK the perfect fit to be the 1,000th wish delivered through the Fanatics and Make-A-Wish partnership.
“Our sports wishes highly skew toward boys and men,” Farraj said. “So it’s lovely to get a young woman who is a sports fan.”
KK also threw out a ceremonial first pitch to Freeman, and then she got to see Los Angeles come away with a thrilling 2-1 victory — a sweet topping to a day highlighted by a salty snack.
