

Major League Baseball paused its usual roar on May 11, 2025, for a symphony of heartfelt appreciation. Across the country, Mother’s Day turned ballparks into garden spots and social media into love galleries. Baseball’s biggest stars took a break from the fierce competition. They shared touching tributes to the foundational women in their lives—their mothers and wives. This is the day we saw the loving sons, husbands, and, yes, new fathers beneath the jerseys.
A duo of love for his leading ladies
Mookie Betts, the Dodgers’ dynamic star, often shares how much his family means to him. Mother’s Day 2025 was no different. He shared a heartfelt message on Instagram to the two most important women in his life.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
His post radiated pure affection: “Just wanted to wish a Happy Mothers Day to my beautiful wife and my mom!! I LOVE you both with everything I got!! Hope you guys have an amazing day!!! 😘😘😘😘😘😘😘” This simple, sweet, heartfelt message emphasized his deep love. Both his mother, Diana Benedict, and his wife, Brianna, who champions motherhood herself through her empowering “Mom Diaries” series.
Celebrating his family’s “rock”
Angels superstar Mike Trout is known for his on-field power and quiet off-field demeanor. However, his love for family consistently shines brightly. His 2025 Mother’s Day message was a reflection of the strength he gained from them.
“Happy Mother’s Day to my rock! Thank you for all that you do for our family. Grateful today for you, my mom, my mother-in-law, and all the incredible moms out there! ❤️” Trout wrote on Instagram. The sentiment resonates with previous tributes in which he referred to his wife, Jessica, as “truly the rock of this family” and paid homage to his own mother, Debbie, for her support in his journey.
A mother’s fire, a son’s smile
Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado often credits his competitive fire to his mother, Millie. His 2025 Mother’s Day tribute offered a peek at both their playful relationship and that respect, which is just beyond heartwarming.
What’s your perspective on:
Is Mother's Day in MLB more about family love or just a PR move? What's your take?
Have an interesting take?
Arenado posted an Instagram story of his mom with the caption “Mom trying out for 1B.” Happy Mother’s Day!! “ It’s all so playful, and this lightheartedness perfectly complements his earlier portrayals of Millie’s passionate love of the game. He has often said her “tough love” and unwavering support, like her simple advice to “work harder,” shaped his career.
A son’s embrace, a mother’s unconditional love
Jack Flaherty of the Detroit Tigers paid a beautiful tribute that defined the essence of a mother’s unbreakable bond. His message, posted by the Tigers and MLB, was very well received by fans around the world.
The tribute included his touching quote: “Your voice in the crowd. Your hug after the game. Your unconditional love and support. Thank you, Mom. For everything”. And he even said, “I know when you hug me back, I’m just your son.” It’s a simple, powerful line that cuts through the fame he’s achieved to simply indicate an essential connection he shares with his adopted mother, Eileen. She became Jackie’s adoptive mother as a single woman when he was three weeks old, and he has often spoken about her extraordinary sacrifices.
A mother’s sacrifice, etched in memory
Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong’s homage underscored his mother Ashley Crow’s hands-on commitment. An actress known for “Little Big League,” her support was more than just cheering in the stands; it left unforgettable memories.
PCA shared how his mother even caught his bullpens until a fastball “smoked her in the thigh.” He added with a laugh, “But she wore that like a boss.” MLB shared a video of him “expressing his gratitude on #MothersDay for his mom’s sacrifices,” a testament to her lasting influence on his road to the big leagues.
A Cub’s first Mother’s Day cheers for Kourtney
Justin Turner, now with the Chicago Cubs, had an extra-special Mother’s Day celebration. He honored his wife, Kourtney, as she experienced the holiday for the first time as a mother.
His Instagram post was bursting with love: “Happy 1st Mothers Day @court_with_a_k 💐🥰❤️” This post signals a beautiful new phase for the two, who welcomed their first child, Bo Jordan Turner, in July of 2024. Kourtney, who has the voice of an angel, has sung the national anthems on Mother’s Day in the past – and it makes the occasion even more emotional.
A new father’s tender rose for Mamiko
Dodgers sensation Shohei Ohtani experienced a much different Mother’s Day in 2025 with a profoundly new perspective: as a father. He and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, recently welcomed their first child, a daughter, in April.
Ohtani posted a touching photo on Instagram. It featured Mamiko’s hand gently touching their newborn’s tiny hand, simply captioned: “Happy Mother’s Day 🌹” This understated yet deeply emotional post followed his earlier comments. He had said he would “express my gratitude directly when the time comes,” and this image spoke volumes about their new family joy.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
A chorus of gratitude: More stars share their love
The heartfelt tributes extended throughout the league. Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón praised his wife, Ashley, calling her the “brains of the operation” and “No. 1 Mom.” He lovingly stated, “But I don’t love my wife just for being a mother. I love her as a person.” Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen described his wife, Stevie, as a “rock star” for perfectly balancing their family. Freddie Freeman continued his tradition of honoring his late mother, Rosemary, while cherishing his wife, Chelsea, as a wonderful mother. Marlins players like Javier Sanoja and Dane Myers also shared heartfelt stories of maternal sacrifice and support.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Teams join the celebration
Major League Baseball teams enthusiastically joined in celebrating mothers. The Los Angeles Angels hosted a special Mother’s Day brunch and a clear belt bag giveaway. The St. Louis Cardinals offered an elaborate brunch at Cardinals Nation. The Detroit Tigers provided #1 Mom tumblers and products. The New York Mets gave away chic clutch purses. These franchise-wide initiatives, along with players dressing in pink for breast cancer awareness, resulted in a festive, league-wide environment of honoring all moms.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Is Mother's Day in MLB more about family love or just a PR move? What's your take?