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Cedric Mullins has always taken the time to recognize his mom, Sheila, on Mother’s Day -- and every other day of the year, for that matter.
“I don’t necessarily put any special day toward my mom, that’s how special she is to me,” Mullins said. “It’s a huge respect on my end just growing up under her and just the things that she’s gone through, challenges she went through raising three kids. Nothing but respect and love for my mom.”
Mother’s Day took on a new meaning for the Orioles’ center fielder in 2024, though.
Mullins’ wife, Erika, became a mom in December 2023, when she gave birth to the couple’s first child -- a daughter, Maliah.
Together, the 30-year-old Mullins and his wife have learned the challenges that come with parenthood. The offseasons have featured less sleep and more diaper changes. Erika’s days/nights are filled with taking care of Maliah, while Cedric has long days at the ballparks.
And that’s something Mullins doesn’t take for granted.
“Super important,” Mullins said. “Not too many people know what goes on behind the scenes, especially at the house. It’s a lot of work that goes into managing the house and making sure it’s a place that when I come home after a long day’s work, it’s just a peaceful environment and I’m able to relax because we get home late.
“There’s a lot of things that even I might not be aware of of what she does that just helps out in the day to day.”
Mullins is looking forward to his wife’s second Mother’s Day on Sunday in Anaheim, as the Orioles also look to win the series after losing 5-2 to the Angels on Saturday.
“Both of us are going through a new chapter in our lives with parenthood and for her to be able to take a step back and kind of see where she has gone over the years, just with our relationship and whatnot, it’s a very special moment for her,” Mullins said. “So try to make this one, or each one every year, as special as possible. But throughout the course of the year, I think we always look after our moms.”