HOUSTON — As the Houston Astros prepare for the new season, sad news from Lance McCullers Jr.’s family has left fans speechless. The veteran Astros pitcher shared that his father – who has been by his side throughout his career – is now facing a serious health condition.

In an emotional moment, McCullers couldn’t hide his tears as he spoke about his father.

“My dad… he can only sit now,” he shared.

A short sentence, but enough to say it all.

For Lance McCullers Jr., baseball has never been a solitary journey.

His father, Lance McCullers Sr., also a former MLB player, laid the foundation for his career from the very beginning. He was not just a father, but also a mentor, a guide, and the greatest source of motivation in McCullers’ life.

From his first practice sessions to the big MLB games, his father’s presence was always there—on the court or behind the scenes.

But now, things are different.

McCullers says his father’s health has deteriorated significantly recently, to the point where he can no longer move or function as he used to.

“It’s hard to see him like that,” McCullers said.

“The man who taught me how to shoot… can’t even stand up like he used to.”

It’s a change he’s still trying to come to terms with.

This should be the time for McCullers to focus entirely on the new season.

Instead, he’s balancing his responsibilities to the team with his worries for his family.

“Baseball has always been important to me, but family is everything,” he shared.

“I just want to be with him as much as possible.”

That’s something anyone can understand — when loved ones need you more than ever.

Despite his declining health, McCullers’ father still follows his son’s every move.

According to those close to him, he still asks about practice sessions, about the Astros’ situation, and about every upcoming game.

“He’s still my biggest fan,” McCullers said.

It’s just that now, he’s cheering in a different way.”

No longer in the stands, no longer by the court, but that love is still there.

Soon after the news broke, the Houston Astros and his teammates quickly sent messages of support to McCullers and his family.

A teammate shared:

“We’re here for him, not just as players, but as family.”

In moments like these, baseball is no longer just a sport.

It becomes a community.

For Lance McCullers Jr., this season will be unlike any before.

Every time he steps onto the mound, he’s not just pitching for the team, for victory—but also for someone watching him from behind.

“I want him to see that I’m still fighting,” he said.

“Just like he taught me.”

There are moments in life when you realize what truly matters.

For McCullers, it was seeing his once strong father now confined to a seat.

No more lessons on the practice court.

No more familiar instructions.

Only time remains — and a desire to spend more time together.

Lance McCullers Jr.’s story isn’t just about an MLB player.

It’s a story about:

Family

Growth

And how people cope with inevitable change.

In sports, people often talk about wins and losses.

But off the court, there are far more difficult “battles.”

Lance McCullers Jr. will still go out there. Still pitch. Still fight.

But now, every step he takes carries a different meaning.

Not just for himself. Not just for the Astros. But for the person who has been behind him since day one.

“My dad… he can only sit in one place now.”

That statement isn’t just information.

It’s a reminder of time. Of family. And about things we often take for granted.

As the Astros head into the new season, Lance McCullers Jr. will be carrying more than just gloves and a ball.

He’ll be carrying a story. An emotion. A motivation.

And somewhere, though no longer in the stands,

his father is still watching — in a way only fathers can.