Schafer glad to 'show the world a sign of love' for mom
CINCINNATI -- Logan Schafer always wanted to swing a pink bat on Mother's Day in the Minor Leagues, but admits he procrastinated in placing the order. He started in center field for the Brewers on Sunday and finally got his chance.
A pair of pink Louisville Slugger model C271s were resting at his locker.
"It's not every day that you get to go out there and show the world a sign of love for your mother," said Schafer, who had already spoken Sunday morning with his mom, Stacey. "I think it's awesome."
Schafer was among a number of Brewers who swung a pink bat, or wore pink cleats, batting gloves or armbands against the Reds on Sunday.
One of the other pink bats was the Brewers' leadoff man, Norichika Aoki, who had his wife in mind. Sachi is pregnant with the couple's second child, and is due to give birth to a boy in mid-June.
The game's first hit, a second-inning double, was produced by Yuniesky Betancourt's pink bat.
Regular center fielder Carlos Gomez, who had the day off, marked the first of two Mother's Days. He said they celebrate the holiday on the last Sunday of May in the Dominican Republic. He spoke via telephone with his mother, Belgika.
"My son is an American, and I feel really good [celebrating Mother's Day here in the U.S.]," Gomez said. "It's a special day."