Jake was visibly distraught right after the incident, as one could imagine, but what transpired in the following moments is what we need to keep discussing and reflecting upon.
These are the moments we should share with our children. This is the conversation we should foster with them.
What you witness isn’t just a player shaken by the event; you see a man overwhelmed by the thought of having caused pain to someone else—a child, no less. He collapses to the ground in anguish. You see him openly weeping, and then a teammate rushes over to offer comfort. Moments later, Jake approaches the fans near where the foul ball struck, checking on their well-being and inquiring with a security guard about the girl’s condition. He then embraces the security guard, breaking down and sobbing on her shoulder, all while over 30,000 fans—and countless more at home—look on.
In this moment, you see a superstar athlete being, well, human.
While the debate over extending protective netting continues, it’s important to acknowledge that such displays of emotion are not common and, sadly, not always celebrated. In a society rife with toxic masculinity, where phrases like “be a man” and “boys don’t cry” are often heard, witnessing a man express vulnerability is both rare and often unwelcome. Following the circulation of Jake’s emotional moment, social media was rife with derogatory comments about his tears.
As a family of devoted fans, we’ve been captivated by this narrative since it unfolded. I’ve watched the footage with my son multiple times, and I’m struck by how he views Jake’s tears as just another part of the game.
Both of my sons participate in youth sports, and even at my 12-year-old’s matches, it’s not uncommon for players to shed tears after a tough moment. They are kids with feelings, but I often wonder—when do they start to learn that showing emotion isn’t acceptable? At what point does society instruct them to suppress their feelings and “be a man,” implying that “boys don’t cry”?
This is the message perpetuated by our patriarchal culture, and we must resist it with all our strength.
Regardless of your views on sports, I believe that many life lessons can be gleaned from both playing and watching. It’s not just about the impressive plays or athletic feats (and Jake has had plenty of those), but about the humanity displayed in those moments between the action. Unfortunately, much of what children observe in professional sports these days leans towards the negative—messages filled with arrogance, tantrums, and poor sportsmanship. They hear about athletes arrested for domestic violence and witness conflicts among players, coaches, and officials. They notice that professional teams often skip post-game handshakes, a practice that is standard in their own games.
It seems that sports have shifted focus from being about human connection to fierce competition, and that is concerning. If all our kids see is a relentless pursuit of victory and displays of athletic superiority, we risk losing the essential humanity of sports.
Jake Thompson is an exceptional athlete, and his skills in the outfield can make him appear almost superhuman. However, what deserves recognition is not just his athletic achievements but the depth of his compassion. No matter how many accolades he garners, it is his genuine heart that makes him the true MVP.
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In summary, the emotional reactions of athletes like Jake Thompson serve as vital lessons for our children. We must encourage open discussions about feelings and vulnerability in a world that often stigmatizes such expressions. By doing so, we not only strengthen their character but also foster a more compassionate society.