MLB NinE: Memorable debut for Isan Diaz — and his dad

Isan Diaz (Springfield, Mass.) crosses the plate after homering in his MLB debut. (Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

A month ago, a determined and focused Isan Diaz allowed himself a glimpse to the future. The Springfield, Mass., native told New England Baseball Journal what it would mean to fulfill his father's dream and make his major-league debut.

“It’ll mean a lot. It will be a tremendous moment for both of us,” Diaz said in July. “I’m pretty sure he’ll get emotional. That next stage for him is something special, as well as it is for me. But I think once the time comes and we get the opportunity, we’ll take full advantage of the moment to appreciate the opportunity we’ve been given.

While Raul Diaz envisioned a major-league career for his son from a young ago, no one could have predicted how incredibly special his MLB debut — or his father's reaction — would be.

One of MLB's top second base prospects, Isan Diaz was called up from Triple A by the Miami Marlins on Monday to play in a doubleheader against the Mets in New York — a mere 2 1/2 hours from his Springfield home. In his first game, Diaz blasted a home run off Mets ace (and reigning NL Cy Young Award winner) Jacob deGrom in front of 50-plus friends and family.