Family gets homecoming surprise at Centene Stadium - KRTV News in Great Falls, Montana

On Wednesday night, 8-year old Kenadee Kuiper thought she was going to the Great Falls Voyagers game to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

She got an incredible surprise instead.

Her father, Staff Sergeant Jeremy Hayes, had donned the catcher's mitt and glove and camped out behind home plate.

When Kenadee went to retrieve the ball – he took off his mask.

“I started to recognize him so I ran straight too him and started bawling,” exclaimed Kenadee. “It felt really great and I just missed him!”

Hayes has been serving overseas in Korea since January.

He and his wife Kari had been planning this moment for weeks.

“It was just great to see the surprise on their faces,” said Jeremy. “I missed them so much. It’s indescribable.”

The family, which also includes young son Mason, received a special treat at Centene when the Voyagers won the first game of their doubleheader 6-1.