Globe iconLogin iconRecap iconSearch iconTickets icon

Austin Hedges celebrated his birthday with a performance by Sexy Sax Man

Like so many of us on our birthdays, Austin Hedges was greeted with a familiar tune upon his arrival at Petco Park before the Padres' 7-1 loss to the Nats on Friday night.
But there's only one way to serenade Hedges (who has spent the season with "Careless Whisper" as his walk-up song). With a saxophone -- and a surprise visit from the Sexy Sax Man.

The Padres debuted the "Austin Hedges Saxy Section" in left field on Friday night. All fans with tickets in the section were given sunglasses and inflatable saxophones and encouraged to play along with "Careless Whisper," Hedges walk-up song.
It was the first of four "Saxy Section" nights, with three more slated for September.
Hedges got another surprise when he took his first swing during batting practice. The Sexy Sax Man -- whose claim to fame is appearing out of nowhere into everyday settings to play "Careless Whisper" -- belted the opening notes from next to the cage.

In his first at-bat against the Nationals, Hedges singled to right -- leaving the Saxy Section demanding an encore.

BarberJordan
beephero
AP_702417634020
NYC