‘The Roman Empire’ is soon to terrorize each team in the league. No exaggeration, really! Roman Anthony—MLB pipeline’s No.1 prospect—had his first outing at Fenway Park on Monday against the Tampa Bay Rays. That night, he went 0-for-4 with a walk and an RBI. Just like that, his much-hyped debut fell short of expectations as the Rays handed a 10-8 loss to the Red Sox.

However, on Tuesday night for the second game against the Rays, he left no crumbs. During his very first at-bat, he received a 1-2 changeup from Rays’ right-hander Ryan Pepiot.

It came screaming down the left field line. The ball came slipping past the defenders and reached the green monster. Two scoring runs came home, and it was simply iconic. It wasn’t just any usual double to break a scoreless tie.

But more than that, did you notice the priceless moment?

Right near the Red Sox dugout, Roman’s family stood all along as the ball connected. His mom, Lori, was visibly shedding tears watching her 21-year-old son deliver his first big league hit. It was a clutch two-out, two-run double. His family cheered the loudest from the stands.

It was an opposite field swing, and the star outfielder reached for a pitch that was evidently outside the zone. To be precise, it was 1.30 feet from the center of the plate. The result was a stunning knock at 92.4 mph exit velocity off the bat.

Eventually, the Red Sox secured the 3-1 win against the Rays. Yes, the win stole the headlines. But undoubtedly, it was priceless for his family to witness their son making waves.

Manager Alex Cora even addressed the impact of Anthony’s family’s presence at the game. “To have his family there tonight to see him get his first knock, I know it means a lot.”

And do you know how Anthony felt after topping the headlines for his second outing?

Roman Anthony opened up about the emotional night with family at Fenway

Roman Anthony’s clutch two-run double stunned Fenway Park for the way it dominated the Rays. It was an unforgettable night for the rookie. On the field, yes, sure. But off the field, his family, who missed his debut, made sure to be present this time as he recorded his first big league hit. It meant the world to Anthony.

In a media appearance after the second game, he opened up about how overwhelming it was to have his loyalists and family at Fenway Park. “That group out there has been with me every step of the way… To see them here was special for sure.”

His parents had just made it to Boston after a last-minute call-up. Anthony jokingly mentioned that since he couldn’t hand his mom tissues during his big-time career moment, he was certain that she came prepared. “She gets emotional for sure. It’s awesome just to have them here and to see them right there by the dugout.” First outings are indeed special. And for Anthony, being the youngest, it was a bit extra special.

And here’s what might catch you off guard. “I didn’t even notice they were there until I went up for my first at-bat.” Since it was very last minute, Anthony was clueless about his parents’ seating. He was stunned to have them that close. “Nobody really gave me that heads-up that they were going to be that close.”

When all the media appearances were done, Anthony brought his entire group straight to the field from the stands to celebrate his big moment. “I think it’ll hit me more tonight.” Well, it sure did. “It doesn’t really hit you until the game ends and I’m there with my family on the field.”

The Red Sox nation, Anthony’s family, and two-thirds of his ‘big three’—Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell—were long anticipating Anthony’s call-up. And the second game against the Rays will be a memory etched in the hearts of all who awaited him in the major leagues. How much did you enjoy watching him?