Dominic Smith Hits Walk-Off Grand Slam in Braves Debut After Mother's Passing

Dominic Smith became the first player in MLB history to hit a walk-off grand slam in his debut with a new team.

“Before a 3-2 pitch from Royals closer Carlos Samuel Estévez on Saturday night, Braves designated hitter Dominic Smith asked for time to compose himself”

AJC

Smith launched a 386-foot home run off Royals closer Carlos Estévez.

AJC

The grand slam capped a dramatic comeback after the Braves erased a 2-0 deficit.

Less than two weeks after his mother died, Smith said he felt her presence during the game.

The Braves had been very supportive during spring training when his mother was ill.

CBS Sports

Smith left the team for over a week when she had a scare and returned to fight for a job.

Smith was one of the last players to make the Braves Opening Day roster.

“Less than two weeks after he lost his mother to cancer, Braves designated hitter Dominic Smith said he felt her presence as he celebrated one of the most dramatic hits of his career”

ESPN

Murphy was on the injured list and Profar suspended for the entire season.

Smith had a clear pathway to at-bats at designated hitter versus right-handed pitching.

Smith credited the team's support for helping him through a difficult period.

The Braves asked about his mother and his well-being, not about baseball.

ESPN Philippines

Braves manager Walt Weiss said he just knew he liked Smith from the other side.