When a couple celebrating their two-year wedding anniversary decided to spend it watching spring training, they had no idea they would be making headlines.
Annnnnnnd now I was just on top 10 on @SportsCenter , Spot 8 to be exact. This whole thing has been amazing. 👶🏻 *He signed my bat btw haha pic.twitter.com/Bk5dZR8tZX — William H. (@EmbersToAsh) March 15, 2018
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Lauren decided to surprise her husband, Will, with news that she was pregnant at the training, but she decided to recruit the help of one of his favorite players, Latter-day Saint Bryce Harper. While watching the Nationals beat the Mets, Lauren approached the Nationals' manager Dave Martinez, telling him she had a "strange and probably far-reaching scheme in mind," according to mlb.com.
That's when she revealed her plans for the baby announcement. "Coach, of course, was incredibly nice and congratulated me and said he would see what he could do," Lauren told mlb.com.
Five-time All-Star Bryce Harper, who will celebrate his own two-year anniversary later this year, was all in. After the game, as the team headed back to the locker room, Harper and Martinez approached the couple. While Harper signed Will's custom Harper bat, Lauren slipped Martinez a sonogram.
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"After signing [the bat], Bryce looks at Will and says, 'Happy Anniversary and congratulations by the way,' and hands Will the picture," Lauren told mlb.com. "Will was just caught up in the moment and couldn't process what was happening. Then it hits him; Will turns to me and with the most confused and excited look on his face says, 'Really?!'"
Will couldn't contain his excitement, and he's continued to share his awe on Twitter:
Biggest thank you to @Bharper3407 today with helping my wife tell me she’s pregnant with our first child on our anniversary, at that. I am beyond words with happiness! @Nationals (@masnKolko@chelsea_janes) pic.twitter.com/TlxeqNimK9 — William H. (@EmbersToAsh) March 13, 2018
I wish I knew how to smile in pictures better. 😂. I swear everyone, I was extremely happy when the picture was taken. I think you’re just seeing my shock of “What is happening?! I just met my favorite player AND he’s telling me that now I’ll be a dad?!” — William H. (@EmbersToAsh) March 14, 2018
For anyone who is curious. The bat I got signed yesterday is hanging proudly above a jersey I got signed in a case with a ball I got signed. All of which I chose poor ink colors with. #Classic. But I’ll cherish the memories. I feel like the luckiest guy alive. — William H. (@EmbersToAsh) March 14, 2018
Harper and Will's newfound friendship continued on Twitter as Harper even gave a suggestion for a baby name:
Congrats again! That was one of the cooler things I’ve ever done🙌🏻 So happy for you! Heard Harper is a great name haha https://t.co/aLGhXKv7ws — Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) March 14, 2018