Jacob Wilson’s Dramatic Return to Pirates’ Stadium Rekindles Childhood Memory with Father Jack

Friday night at PNC Park wasn’t just another ballgame — it was a heartwarming rewind that tugged at the soul of baseball lovers everywhere. Picture this: nearly 20 years back, Jack Wilson, then a nimble shortstop for the Pirates, caught a first pitch thrown by none other than his 4-year-old son, Jacob. Fast forward to today, Jacob’s carved his own path, snagged sixth overall by the Athletics in 2023 and stepped onto the MLB stage last season with a rookie’s determination burning bright. So when Friday’s matchup between the Pirates and Athletics rolled around, it was Jacob’s turn to flip the script — catching his dad’s first pitch as a pro, right where it all began. The symbolism? Electric. The moment? Pure magic. And oh, if that storyline doesn’t stir up a warm glow inside you, I don’t know what will.

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Before the Pittsburgh Pirates’ game against the Athletics on Friday, a father and son provided a beautiful blast from the past.

Nearly two decades ago, then-Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson caught a first pitch from his four-year-old son Jacob at PNC Park. Jacob would go on to have his own baseball career, getting selected sixth overall by the A’s in 2023 and making his MLB debut last season.

On Friday, the rookie paid his father back by catching his first pitch before his first game at PNC Park.

Once upon a time, Jack Wilson caught a first pitch from his 4-year-old son Jacob.

Tonight in Pittsburgh, it was Jacob’s turn to catch his dad’s first pitch ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nkia8uOKQo

— MLB (@MLB) September 19, 2025

The A’s would go on to win 4-3, with the younger Wilson going 0-for-4.

Despite the hitless performance, 2025 has been a significant success for the 23-year-old Wilson, who is currently slashing .317/.360/.451 from a premium defensive position. Alongside Rookie of the Year frontrunner Nick Kurtz, he’s provided optimism for an A’s team currently going through a transition and is on track to be a central piece for the team when it reaches Las Vegas.