Mary Jung is eagerly anticipating a remarkable Mother’s Day this weekend, as her two sons, Josh Jung of the Texas Rangers and Jace Jung of the Detroit Tigers, are set to face off against each other in Major League Baseball for the first time. This special matchup marks a rare occasion in the league, particularly because it takes place on Mother’s Day, a day packed with significance for the Jung family.
Mary reflected on her mixed feelings regarding the brewing excitement. While she is overjoyed at the prospect of watching her sons play professional baseball against one another, she also felt it best not to dwell on the potential for this long-cherished dream to come true. “I didn’t want to talk about it in case something came up,” she expressed.
Their father, Jeff, who resigned from coaching high school baseball to focus on supporting their journey, was among the first to recognize the potential for a monumental moment given the schedule released last September. He immediately looked for opportunities that could bring the boys together, especially as both have faced their fair share of challenges in their baseball careers.
Josh, 27, has dealt with a series of injuries since his debut in 2022, including a broken thumb and wrist, while Jace, 24, faced a rough spring training before being called back up to the Tigers due to injuries on the team. In spite of these hurdles, both players still have the chance to shine on this unique occasion.
Josh emphasized the significance of their mother’s sacrifices throughout their journey, admitting that it is a great honor to play on a day dedicated to her. “The amount of money and time she invested into us can never be repaid back, but hopefully we can put on a show for her,” he said.
The Jung brothers capturing this rare opportunity is indeed special. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, if both play this Sunday, they will be only the ninth set of brothers to compete against each other in the majors on Mother’s Day since 1969. This sentiment is echoed in the history of baseball, where sibling showdowns on this day have been remarkably few.
Their mother has certainly taken her preparations seriously, even joking about how she might have had reservations while wrestling with her own hopes and fears. Full of pride and emotion, she has kept every heartfelt Mother’s Day card and treasure made by her sons, which only adds to the significance of this weekend. “Seeing them on the same field living their dream melts me,” she shared, overwhelmed by the long and winding road that has led them here.
As the Jung family looks forward to this momentous occasion, it not only embodies their individual dreams but also highlights the powerful bond of family forged through resilience and hard work. With this game, they embrace the beauty of achieving goals while cherishing the love that brought them to this point.