Payton Tolle turned a routine baseball play into one of the most memorable moments of Boston’s 9-8 win over the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park on Monday night, hugging Josh Canzone as he tagged him out at first base.
Tolle’s hugs are usually reserved for his teammates, particularly Garrett Whitlock, when he returns to the dugout between innings. This time, the 23-year-old pitcher showed some affection in the middle of a play.
Payton Tolle hugs Josh Canzone during play
With one out in the top of the third inning, Canzone hit a 51 mph chopper in front of the mound. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound Tolle charged the comebacker and sprinted toward the first-base line to cut Canzone off.
Tolle stepped in front of Canzone a little more than halfway down the line, bringing both players to a stop. He then opened his arms wide and wrapped them around Canzone while tagging him out at the same time.
Canzone placed his right arm around Tolle and smiled before heading back to the dugout.
“It just kind of happened,” said Tolle. “I was right there in front of him, and I was like, ‘Bring it in for the big one.’”
Did Tolle ever meet Canzone before the hug?
“No, but we do [know each other] now,” Tolle said.
Canzone must have been caught by surprise, right?
“I mean, probably for a second,” Tolle said. “But then it’s like, ‘Yeah, this is just going to happen.’”
Tolle brings energy after allowing homer
The hug came moments after Tolle surrendered a towering home run to Randy Arozarena, cutting Boston’s lead to 3-2. Tolle quickly shook off the adversity and shared a lighthearted moment with Canzone.
The spontaneous exchange reflected Tolle’s determination to enjoy the privilege of playing in the Major Leagues while bringing his distinctive personality to the game.
Trevor Story, who ended Boston’s victory with a walk-off single, had to think for a moment when asked about the hug.
“The guy gives hugs all the time, so I’m not sure which one you’re talking about,” quipped Story. “But yeah, that was funny, man. Payton’s just a special person. He plays the game like a little kid, which I feel like we all should.”
