Eli Edman Honors His Dad Tommy by Using His Glove for First Pitch on a Special Bobblehead Night Celebration

On a night dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments and legacy of St. Louis Cardinals infielder Tommy Edman, it was his young son, Eli, who stole the show and stole the hearts of the thousands in attendance. With thousands of fans packed into Busch Stadium for “Tommy Edman Bobblehead Night” presented by Security Benefit, the most unforgettable moment came long before the first pitch of the actual game. Standing confidently near the pitcher’s mound, glove in hand, Eli Edman took center stage—not just because he was throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, but because he was doing it with a piece of family history in his hand: his dad’s glove.

It was a tender and heartfelt moment that showcased the unique bond between a father and his child, the magic of baseball, and the full-circle beauty that comes from growing up around the game. For fans, players, and the Edman family alike, it was a night to remember, made even more powerful by that one symbolic act—Eli reaching back with Tommy’s glove, winding up just like he’s seen his dad do so many times before, and letting it fly.

For Tommy Edman, the night was already shaping up to be one of the most meaningful of his career. The Cardinals had planned the bobblehead giveaway for weeks, ensuring that fans would receive a collectible figure honoring Edman’s hustle, versatility, and fan-favorite status. Edman has carved out a name for himself as one of baseball’s most reliable utility men, a Gold Glove-caliber defender who can slot in just about anywhere and provide value on both sides of the ball. And yet, despite all the accolades and on-field heroics, it was the image of his son throwing out the first pitch using his well-worn glove that might end up meaning the most.

The glove itself is not just any glove. It’s a symbol of years of hard work, thousands of hours of practice, and countless memories shared between Tommy and the game he loves. It has scooped up ground balls, turned double plays, and seen moments of triumph and heartbreak. To see it passed down to the next generation, even just for a moment, was like witnessing the handing off of a family heirloom in real time.

Eli, who is still just a small child, already shows signs of being around baseball his whole life. His form may not yet be perfect, and the ball may not have zipped in with the force of a major leaguer, but the intent and emotion behind it were pure. As he stood on the field surrounded by cheers and applause, he looked entirely at home, no nerves visible on his young face—just joy, pride, and a little bit of mischief as he launched the ball toward home plate.

Fans erupted in a wave of cheers and affectionate “awws” as the ball sailed through the air. Eli’s throw, whether a perfect strike or not, was a perfect moment. The camera panned to Tommy Edman, who stood nearby, beaming with pride and perhaps even blinking back tears. This was not a typical first pitch ceremony. This was personal. This was family. And this was everything the game of baseball is supposed to represent.

The fact that the event happened on Tommy Edman Bobblehead Night made it even more special. As fans held up the small statues in his likeness, watching Eli create a moment of his own, the symbolism was impossible to ignore. Tommy’s impact has extended far beyond the diamond—not just through his play, but through the example he’s set as a father, a teammate, and a role model.

Security Benefit, the event sponsor, couldn’t have asked for a more heartwarming endorsement of what the evening was all about. More than just a promotional giveaway, the night turned into a celebration of family, legacy, and the love that connects generations. Even the most jaded of fans were swept up in the emotion of the moment, and social media quickly lit up with clips and photos of Eli’s first pitch. Fans praised the adorable moment, called it one of the highlights of the season, and lauded the Cardinals for giving the Edman family such a memorable platform.

For Tommy, who has always been known as a quiet leader and consistent performer, the moment allowed fans to see a more personal side. His relationship with his family has always been important to him, and he’s often spoken about the support system that’s helped him reach the highest levels of the game. Now, he’s becoming that support system for Eli. Whether or not his son ever follows in his baseball footsteps, the memories being created now will last forever.

It’s not uncommon for MLB players’ children to throw out ceremonial pitches, especially on nights honoring their fathers. But what set this moment apart was the use of Tommy’s glove—a subtle yet deeply meaningful decision that added a layer of depth and intimacy. It wasn’t just about honoring Tommy Edman’s career; it was about showing the fans who he is off the field and the values he holds dear.

The rest of the evening unfolded with a celebratory tone, and Eli’s pitch became the highlight that set the stage. Fans who arrived early for the bobblehead giveaway got far more than they bargained for. They got to witness a storybook moment that encapsulated why they fell in love with baseball in the first place. It’s about the history, the emotion, the passing of tradition, and those small, seemingly simple moments that somehow become everything.

Even the players on both teams took notice. Many stood at the top of the dugouts, smiling and clapping as Eli delivered the pitch. Some joked that he might be ready for the big leagues sooner than expected. But beneath the laughs was genuine admiration for what the moment represented: the human side of a game that too often gets lost in statistics, contracts, and standings.

After the pitch, Eli ran off the field to a big hug from his dad. Cameras caught the embrace, and the stadium video board replayed the pitch again, prompting a second round of cheers. In the Cardinals’ dugout, teammates came up to Tommy, patting him on the back and sharing in the joy of the moment. It was a shared celebration not just of a player, but of a father.

As for the game that followed, the Cardinals played with the kind of energy that mirrored the night’s emotional high. It was as if Eli’s pitch had infused the entire team with extra motivation. Whether or not they won the game almost seemed secondary. What mattered most had already happened: a father watching his son step into the spotlight, a boy honoring his dad in the most meaningful way possible, and a fanbase lucky enough to witness it all unfold.

By the end of the night, the image of Eli Edman on the mound—tiny, determined, and carrying his dad’s glove—had already cemented itself as one of the most heartwarming moments of the season. It wasn’t just about baseball. It was about family, love, and the generational ties that bind us to the things we care about most. Tommy Edman’s bobblehead will sit proudly on the shelves of fans for years to come, but the real memory they’ll cherish is the one that didn’t come in a box. It came in the form of a perfect pitch from a little boy, made with a big heart, wearing his dad’s glove.