Braves pitcher Ray Kerr’s foster mom shares his journey to MLB
· Yahoo Sports
Braves pitcher Ray Kerr’s path to the major leagues started with a phone call that changed Lisa McCarthy’s life.
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McCarthy, a retired social worker and mother of two daughters, remembers the day 15 years ago when she welcomed two brothers into her home. One of them would eventually become her son: Kerr.
Kerr says McCarthy, whom he calls “Mama Lisa” or “Grand-mom Lisa,” played a major role in helping him become the man he is today.
“She helped me tremendously with the motivation of going back to school, paying for school, and just pushing me to become a better man than what I was at the time,” Kerr said. “And I love her for that.”
McCarthy admits her baseball knowledge was limited when Kerr first came into her life. She used a baseball scorebook to learn the game and keep up with his career.
Now, Kerr says she may be even more invested than he is.
“She’s more nervous than I am whenever I get on the mound,” Kerr said. “So that’s kind of cute. And yeah, I just, I love her spirit.”
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McCarthy says she watches every game Kerr pitches, with plenty of praying and cheering along the way.
She has not yet watched him pitch in person at Truist Park, but says she will make the trip to Atlanta if the Braves advance to the NLCS.
“I’m so proud of him. He’s worked very, very hard,” McCarthy said.
McCarthy also hopes her story encourages others to consider becoming foster parents, particularly for older children.
“We do need foster parents though, and older kids, don’t be afraid to be older kids,” she said.
Kerr could have another chance to take the mound later tonight after right-handed pitcher Tyler Mahle gets the start for the Braves.
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