Joyful reunion: Harrisburg boy surprised by deployed dad's return

Logan Hatton of Harrisburg was surprised when he was picked to throw out the first pitch at the Southern Illinois Miners game Wednesday evening.

The 12-year-old got a greater surprise when the catcher lifted his mask.

Logan's father, Kenny Hatton of Harrisburg, an Air Force staff sergeant, has been deployed in Kuwait since January, and was behind the plate to catch the ceremonial first pitch thrown by his son.

When Kenny walked up and pulled off his mask, Logan was overcome with joy.

"I was very, very happy and surprised," Logan said. "I didn't think it was him at all."

Prior to the game, Logan had been informed that he had been "randomly" chosen from a drawing to throw out the first pitch.

He didn't suspect that it was a ruse to treat him to an impromptu reunion with his dad.

But, when it sank in, Logan was ecstatic.

"When I realized it was him, all I could think was 'What?!?'," Logan said.

Now that his dad is home, Logan said he wants to make the most of it.

"I'm so happy he's back and I want to spend a lot of time with him," he said.