May 10--MILWAUKEE -- Chicago Cubs rookie slugger Kris Bryant said the ball he hit Saturday night for his first major league home run will be placed on a mantle at his Las Vegas home.
But Bryant said the home run was more meaningful because it occurred on the eve of Mother's Day.
"She's was very proud of me, and she's always happy," Bryant said Sunday of his mother Sue. "She's happy if I go 0-for-4. She's a very supportive mom. For this being close to Mother's Day, it's special."
Bryant also is happy to participate with his teammates in Mother's Day festivities Sunday, as several players and coaches from the Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers are sporting pink clothing and equipment to raise breast cancer awareness.
"It's definitely cool," Bryant said. "The pink bats, the pink shoes -- it all represents something special. It helps me realize there's more to this game than baseball. It's important to have a good family life, and I have a great mom back home who supports me and all that I do. I'll be playing hard for her today.''
Meanwhile, Bryant hopes the home run can serve as a springboard after not hitting a home run until his 74th major league at-bat.
"For me, it's not that big of a deal," Bryant said of finally hitting a home run. "I just realize that's the type of player I am. It's definitely a confidence builder to get the first one out of the way. The spring training homers don't count, so it's good to get the first one out of the way. I'm just moving forward and look to build some more confidence and see where I'm at in these next games."
Bryant said he received about 20 congratulatory messages, adding that several friends follow every game since he reached the majors on April 17.
Bryant revealed that he broke the bat he used to collect his first major league hit, so the bat he used for his first homer will be placed with other mementos.
