Love, baseball, and the sweetest surprise — Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Braxton Ashcraft turned Thursday night’s game against the Washington Nationals into a family milestone. But while he jogged to the mound, all eyes were on his catcher, Joey Bart, for what might be the most memorable assist of his career.
Key Takeaways
- Braxton Ashcraft and his wife Cassidy used a live in-game moment for their baby’s sex reveal.
- Joey Bart, the Pirates catcher, wore a pink armband to announce the couple is having a girl.
- Family members in the stands celebrated with cotton candy and cheers as the camera panned to them.
- Cassidy recently shared their pregnancy news on Instagram, revealing the couple’s excitement.
- The game didn’t go as well for Braxton, who allowed 5 runs in 5.2 innings.
A Home Plate Reveal to Remember
The moment unfolded in Pittsburgh’s PNC Park, where Braxton Ashcraft, 26, and his wife Cassidy turned the ballgame into a celebration. Joey Bart, the Pirates catcher, stepped up to the plate — quite literally — wearing a pink armband to signal the big news: the Ashcrafts are expecting a baby girl. The Pirates broadcast captured the emotional reveal, showing Cassidy and the couple’s family in the stands erupting in cheers.
One family member waved a pink cotton candy while holding a blue one, making the announcement even more festive. It was a uniquely public way to share their joy, blending family life with the high-energy world of Major League Baseball.
From the Field to Instagram: The Ashcrafts’ Journey
Earlier that day, Cassidy had already hinted at the news, posting a heartfelt Instagram carousel featuring Braxton and her on the field. The photos included a sonogram and a baby-sized Pirates jersey emblazoned with Braxton’s number, 35, and “Ashcraft” on the back. Her caption read, “Ashcraft party of 3🤍✨,” a sweet and simple declaration of their growing family.
The couple’s relationship has been a steady presence online since 2023, when they first began appearing on each other’s social media accounts. Their engagement announcement in November 2024 was equally romantic, with Braxton sharing, “I am beyond excited and thankful that I get to spend the rest of my life with my best friend.” They tied the knot on December 5, 2025, but kept the wedding news under wraps until this week.
The Role of MLB Families in Celebrations
The Ashcrafts are far from the first to use the ballpark as their stage for family announcements. Bryce Harper famously revealed the sex of his fourth child with a custom bat, proving that baseball and personal milestones go hand in hand for these athletes. The Pirates’ WAG community was quick to celebrate, with Livvy Dunne, gymnast and girlfriend of Pirates ace Paul Skenes, commenting on Cassidy’s wedding posts: “Now das beautiful” and “keep em coming.”
These public displays highlight the camaraderie and family-oriented culture within MLB teams. Moments like Braxton’s reveal show how deeply connected players’ personal lives are to their professional community.
What This Means for You
For fans, Braxton and Cassidy’s baby reveal is a reminder that life’s big milestones can be celebrated in unique, personal ways. Whether it’s a gender reveal, a wedding, or another life event, the Ashcrafts demonstrate that incorporating loved ones into the moment — even in unconventional settings — makes it unforgettable.
If you’re planning your own reveal, think about how to make it interactive for your friends and family. A sports game, a picnic, or even a casual gathering can become a memory-filled event if you make it personal and fun. And if social media is part of your life, consider sharing the joy there too. As Cassidy’s Instagram post shows, sometimes the simplest captions tell the most heartfelt stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Braxton Ashcraft reveal his baby’s sex?
He collaborated with Pirates catcher Joey Bart, who wore a pink armband during the game to signify that the Ashcrafts are expecting a girl.
When did Braxton and Cassidy Ashcraft announce their pregnancy?
Cassidy posted the news on Instagram earlier on April 16, just hours before the in-game reveal.
Have other MLB players done similar reveals?
Yes, Bryce Harper famously used a custom bat to reveal the sex of his fourth child during a Phillies game.
