John Smoltz honors his own father with Field of Dreams broadcast (Video)

In a touching moment, Baseball Hall of Famer and former Braves pitcher John Smoltz honored his late father during the Field of Dreams game.

Field of Dreams is a movie which bonds parents with their children. The entire plot line indirectly leads Ray Kinsella to reconnect with his father for one final game of catch. It recreates those same childhood memories many of us have with nothing more than a baseball, a glove and those who love us the most in this world.

Smoltz himself called the game alongside Joe Davis for FOX Sports. Earlier that day, his father had passed away at the age of 79 years old. While none of us would’ve blamed Smoltz for taking the night off, he could think of no better way to honor his dad than calling a game that feels almost mythical in nature.

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Field of Dreams: John Smoltz honored his late father

“He lived by his faith, he loved family and he would be so mad if I didn’t do this game,” Smoltz said during the broadcast. “I can’t think of another day to honor him. When you think of about this park, this movie and how he loved everyone of us and everyone he came into contact with. I’m the man I am because of him. He was awesome.”

Those of us who have lost a parent can understand where Smoltz was coming from.

Smoltz’s father was incredibly influential in helping him reach his ultimate goal of becoming a professional baseball player. The 55-year-old, younger Smoltz has often referred to him as a lifeline of sorts.

It’s what the best parents do.

“I’m going to miss him, but I’m going to live every day for him,” Smoltz said.

For some, Field of Dreams is merely a movie about baseball and the past. For others, it’s a symbol of “all that once was good and…could be again,” as James Earl Jones stated in his role as author Terence Mann.