Honorable Mention: Evan Triplett

“Sometimes, There is Crying in Baseball”

The Astros acquired Cam Smith in a shocking offseason trade, a 2024 draft pick suddenly thrust into the spotlight with the weight of a city on his shoulders. From the moment he arrived at Spring Training, he went about his work with determination—energy buzzing, head down, attacking whatever was in front of him. That approach carried him through big league camp and all the way to the final exhibition games just days before the 2025 season. Just before the final tune-up game, the clubhouse gathered for a special announcement. The message came straight from Smith’s mother, delivered in front of teammates who already knew what it meant. Tears flowed. Smiles spread. Hugs followed. Cam Smith was headed to the majors—his debut set for Opening Day. The youngest rookie to debut since since Rusty Staub in 1963 — Cam dawned a crisp Astros home white uniform, debut patch stitched on his sleeve, and took the field in right with thousands of fans holding their breath, witnessing the arrival of a new face and a new chapter. It took just one pitch. Smith sliced it for his first major league hit, emotion spilling out of him as he raced down the first-base line. After the final out, dozens of family members and friends surrounded him, the perfect ending to a day he—and Houston—won’t soon forget.