Oakland A’s send Jonah Heim amazing Christmas gift

A player’s major league debut is a special moment. The Oakland A’s made certain that Jonah Heim would have an incredible keepsake to remember it by.

There are specific moments that will always be special for a major leaguer. That first game in the majors. Their first hit, or first win or save as a pitcher. Hearing the roar of the crowd and the PA announcer saying their name. Those are the moments that players train a lifetime for, hoping that day will happen.

Unfortunately, when Jonah Heim made his debut on August 25, it was in an empty stadium, without his family to cheer him on. Nonetheless, the Oakland A’s made certain that he would never forget that day, sending Heim an incredible gift to commemorate that moment.

Heim had a solid showing in that first game. He notched his first hit with a seventh inning single off of Kyle Gibson, and later came around to score. He also drew a walk in his first major league plate appearances, as he went 1-3 on the day.

More from White Cleat Beat

• Zach Logue yet another disappointing Oakland A’s trade return
• Luis Barrera heading to familiar foe in Los Angeles Angels
• Looking back at Ruben Sierra with the Oakland A’s
• San Francisco Giants showing Oakland A’s offseason could be worse
• Lucas Luetge what Oakland A’s need in bullpen

Although his offensive production may seem somewhat underwhelming, Heim had a solid first year. He produced a .211/.268/.211 batting line in his 41 plate appearances, drawing three walks while striking out just three times. He was, however, excellent defensively, credited with two runs saved in just 95 innings behind the plate while throwing out three out of five would be base stealers.

That stellar defensive showing certainly caught the A’s attention. As it currently stands, Heim is penciled in as Oakland’s backup catcher for the 2021 campaign, slotting into the lineup to give Sean Murphy a day off as needed.

There is the potential for Heim to be far better than he showed last season. He had a breakout minor league season in 2019, and had performed well in the A’s summer camp. With a longer look in the majors, he should have plenty of other firsts over the course of his career.

The first game for any major leaguer is a memorable occasion. The Oakland A’s made certain that Jonah Heim would have a gift his family would always treasure.