San Antonio Missions Military Surprise

The San Antonio Missions, Double-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, facilitated one of the more adorable moments so far this season on Sunday.

Prior to playing the Corpus Christi Hooks in Texas League action, the Missions had five-year-old Hailey Sandoval throw out the first pitch. The pitch may have only traveled 15 feet (I know I already used the word “adorable,” but c’mon), but it was what ensued that matters.

The catcher ran up to grab the ball, removed his mask, and surprised Hailey when she realized it was her father, Army Sgt. Alvino Sandoval.

Sandoval returned from a tour in Afghanistan and reunited with his daughter in dramatic and emotional fashion.

It’s always great when the cameras are around for a moment like this because it gives people the chance to regain perspective on what’s really important in life.