DETROIT (AP) — Pat Neshek says he "completely broke down" when he found out his teammates were taking the field wearing patches honoring his late son.
The Oakland reliever pitched briefly in the Athletics' 3-1 loss to Detroit in the American League playoffs Saturday night. The A's wore patches with the initials GJN.
Gehrig John Neshek died 23 hours after his birth.
Neshek entered the game with two on and one out in the seventh inning but got out of the jam without any scoring.
He said he felt someone was watching and helping with his last pitch, which he called his best slider of the year.
Neshek touched the patch as he left the field while looking in the direction of his wife's seat.
©2013 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
