How do you thank a call-up pitcher who helped push your favourite baseball team into the World Series for the first time in nearly two decades? Get him a wedding gift, of course.
That’s what Cleveland Indians fans did for 24-year-old Ryan Merritt, who was thrust into Game 5 of the American League Championship Series to face the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday.
READ MORE: Blue Jays eliminated from playoffs after Cleveland wins 3-0 in Game 5 of ALCS
The soon-to-be-married 24-year-old shrugged off intimidating words from Blue Jays batters, including Jose Bautista who suggested that the rookie would be “shaking in his boots.” Merritt pitched four-and-a-third innings without giving up a hit. Cleveland held on for a 3-0 win, eliminating the Blue Jays from the MLB post-season.
WATCH: Cleveland starter Ryan Merritt says he didn’t let pre-game talk effect him
Amid tweets and posts celebrating Merritt’s performance, some web-savvy fans tracked down his and his fiancée Sarah Brushaber’s wedding registry at Target and Pottery Barn.
The couple, who are getting married in January, were shocked when they found out that fans had bought them everything on their list.
“It’s just crazy,” Brushaber told MLB.com. “Honestly, I can’t even comprehend that kind of support. That people not only care about Ryan’s career, but care about his personal life, is just unbelievable.”
The happy couple was clearly appreciative of the generosity of fans, but wondered if there would be anything left for relatives to buy.
“They’re probably going to buy it before our friends get to it,” Merritt said. “Hopefully we don’t end up with like five Keurigs or something.”
Here are just a few of the gifts Cleveland fans treated the bride and groom to.
Comments