Adam Eaton gets Fourth of July surprise as White Sox honor military

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Adam Eaton’s family is in Chicago for Fourth of July weekend, but he didn’t expect to see his brother standing in center field before Saturday’s game at U.S. Cellular Field.

The White Sox honored members of the military by stationing them at each position on the field just before first pitch to greet players and get a ball autographed. One of them was Zachary Eaton, who’s a captain in the Air Force and happens to be the older brother of the White Sox center fielder.

The two, each in their own uniform, shared an emotional embrace in center field just moments before Jeff Samardzija threw the first pitch of what turned out to be a 3-2 White Sox win.

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“That was a little shocking when I first came out,” Eaton said. “I knew he was going to be here, but for him being in uniform like that, it kind of brought a tear to my eye. It was something special for me.

“I’m glad however it transpired, the White Sox got in touch with him or however it happened. I’m very blessed that it happened. I’m proud of him and his accomplishments, and I’m just very proud of him.”

[SHOP WHITE SOX: Get an Adam Eaton jersey right here]

Zachary Eaton is currently stationed in Nebraska as the head of the University of Nebraska’s Air Force ROTC. Eaton’s parents both were in the army, too, so it’s a family well versed in military service.

Adam Eaton said he didn’t know what he said to his brother as the two hugged in center field, but he was overwhelmed to be able to share that moment with him.

“I grew up in a military family, and you realize the sacrifices that the family and individuals alike go through and you know we are blessed to play this great game every day and you know he helps defend the country. For him to be here on this day and kind of stand in the same spot that I’m blessed enough to stand in and have a conversation with him, it was special.”

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