Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals is one of contemporary baseball’s best, and he loves his mom, and isn’t afraid to say so on national television.

Harper was recently asked by ESPN’s SC Featured to read a letter he wrote to his mom for Mothers Day. Unbeknownst to him, his mother was watching the whole thing.

Released Tuesday, the video has several eye-watering moments as Harper recounts stories from his childhood, and his mother, Sheri, wipes the tears from her eyes.

Dear Mom

“Dear Mom,” Harper starts, “Happy Mothers Day to the best mother a son could ever ask for. I’m truly blessed to have you as my mom.”

“From the moment I was born and in those first days of my life, where things were touch and go,” he continued, “your love immediately helped me overcome great obstacles!” He continues,

You’ve always encouraged me and supported my baseball dreams, all while never pushing me to do anything, but to be a great person and to do what makes me happy. You showed me how to care, be humble, treat others with respect, and to always remember who I am!

Harper also explained why he holds up the universal sign for “I love you” after every home run he hits:

I have to share my favorite memory of you, and one that I’ve carried throughout life and into my career. One day you dropped me off at Aunt Teresa’s, and for some reason, I jumped out of the car very quickly. As I hurried away, I forgot to give you my regular kiss on the cheek. You yelled, “Bryce, Bryce.” As I spun around, you flashed the universal sign, “I love you.” I’ll never forget that day. So of course, every time I cross home plate, after a home run, I make sure you know I love you too.

“Sorry National’s fans. That’s not for you,” he then comments.

Be sure to watch the heartwarming video to hear the rest of Harper’s letter.

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