Sam Gillette is a writer/reporter at PEOPLE. She first joined PEOPLE in 2016.
Some people want their family around for big news, and the new Houston Astros' pick for the Major League roster was no exception!
Cam Smith broke down in tears when his family entered the locker room because he realized that meant he'd been selected for the team's Opening Day roster. The emotional encounter was orchestrated by manager Joe Espada and posted by the team on X on Tuesday, March 25.
"So, Cam, do you know why you're here?" the 22-year-old right fielder's mom asked him after he hugged his loved ones.
"Yes," he responded with a laugh.
"You made the roster!" she said, causing him to cover his face and cry even more.
Born in Lake Worth, Fla., Smith was selected by the Chicago Cubs with the number 14 pick in the 2024 MLB draft, according to MLB.com.
The slugger was part of the Kyle Tucker trade during the offseason. Being selected for the Opening Day roster is a huge accomplishment for Smith, who has only played 32 games in the Minor Leagues, according to the league. His rise is the third fastest by a position player since 1965.
Since the Astros acquired Smith in December, he's impressed the team with his prowess and is replacing Tucker in the lineup, the MLB reports.
Espada wanted the exciting news to be a surprise. Before Smith's mom walked into the room, the manager said he'd want to call his parents if he ever got the news he was going to the Major Leagues.
"You want to share with someone who has been there for you from day one," Espada said in the video, "Little league, travel ball, good days, bad days, so we're about to do that right now."
As Smith was recovering from the news and gave his mom another hug, she asked him: "Did you expect it?"
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"No, not even close," her son responded.
Smith spoke to reporters after the moment in the locker room with his family and teammates.
"I always thought it was possible," said Smith, according to ESPN. "I had a great group of guys to help me out to get here today. I always thought it was a possibility for it to happen. And we're here today talking about it now. So I'm very blessed."
The rising baseball star said the news was important to his mom.
"At one point it was just me and her in the house," he said, according to the outlet. "She struggled to take me to baseball games and practice. I'm just happy to do it for her."