On July 3, the Buffalo Bisons hosted the Syracuse Chiefs as part of the Independence Eve Celebration at Coca-Cola field in Buffalo, New York. In the front row, was 11 year old little leaguer Ty Barber. Further back was 96 year old WWII Veteran Richard Snethen, dressed in full uniform.
Between innings, Ty caught a ball from the first baseman. The older man saw that happen and said to his son, "There's a happy boy!"
When the game was over, Ty went up to Richard and gave him the ball.
"I'm trying to be a role model," Ty later told the TV station. "And, we really have to honor our veterans."
"That was the most moving thing," Richard later recalled. "One of the treasured moments of my life, to tell you the truth."
"It makes you really feel like there is some hope for America."
Richard and Ty took a picture together and went their separate ways.
Over the next few weeks, Richard was so moved by the experience that he wrote a poem about it.
Ty Barber caught the fielder's ball,
Holding it close 'til the game was over.
Then, with a hug and a beaming smile,
He gave his prize ball to a WWII vet on the aisle,
The "Greatest Generation" is now being challenged
By a yet to be named generation.
The Bisons won, six to two
And both Ty and I - WON TOO!
The poem is framed next to the ball and his photo with Ty.
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Nearly two months later, the Bisons invited Richard and Ty back to the ballpark — this time, to watch a game together. Watch that video below...