Phillies' Jerome Williams pitching with a purpose

Monday, August 25, 2014
VIDEO: Jerome Williams, pitching with a purpose
Williams, after pitching for two other teams this season, has been a find for the Phils.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Every time Phillies pitcher Jerome Williams takes the mound, he makes a pitch to honor his mom.

Williams is the only player in Major League Baseball to wear a pink glove.

It's his tribute to his mom Deborah who died of breast cancer when he was just 19 years old.

"It was a big struggle. She was everything to me; she was my best friend. I talk to her about anything. I wish my mom was here. I wish she could see me play," Williams said.

Deborah never saw her son play in the majors. She passed away in 2001, when Jerome was in the minor leagues.

But he believes she has a front row seat every time he puts on the glove that even sports a breast cancer awareness ribbon.

"The real cool feature about the glove is that I have my mom's name on the inside of the glove. So I know she's on my hand every time I put this glove on." Williams said.

Williams says he thinks about his mom on the mound and even asks her to lend a hand when he gets in trouble.

"When I get into a jam, 'Mom, you gotta help me get out of this jam.' Then all of a sudden I get a ground ball double play and I'm like, 'Thanks mom!'" Williams said.

Williams not only honors his mom every time he takes the mound, but he honors other moms, as well.

Earlier this season, Williams gave his spare pink glove to a breast cancer survivor in Houston.

"I just hope and prays this shows everybody to get checked, take it seriously, because it took my mom away," Williams said.

With every pitch, Williams hopes he can save at least one person from being without their mom.