In 2024, Ke’Bryan Hayes began his fifth season of baseball at the highest level and by that time he had already established himself as one of the best third basemen in the game. But making his profile even more interesting was his father, Charlie Hayes. Charlie played parts of 14 seasons in the big leagues and was even a part of the 1996 New York squad that won the World Series and launched the last great dynasty in baseball. Interestingly though, in an interview from May of 2021, Charlie made the following comment regarding his family's formation around the sport:
"My wife probably loves baseball more than any of us…”
Charlie went further to say that Gelinda Haye’s “even keel” attitude helped him throughout his entire professional career and that attitude helped her support Ke’Bryan as he has developed into the star he is today.
It is always remarkable to see a father-son combo that has made an impact on the game. But we often forget about the mothers that offer the unwavering support that keeps both the dad and son on the path to success. Without Gelinda Hayes, Ke’Bryan’s Wilson glove may never have earned him a 3.0 Defensive War in 2022 (per Baseball Reference) and his father’s glove may never have been able to make one of the most memorable catches in New York baseball history.
Be sure to read on…
What glove does Ke’Bryan Hayes use?
Ke’Bryan Hayes defends the hot corner with a Wilson A2000. His signature KBH13 patterned A2000 is available from retailers and comes in an 11.75 inch length that is perfect for playing third base. However, it’s the details that make the glove truly shine. The back is covered with black SuperSnakeskin material which offers all of the benefits of regular SuperSkin, but with an updated texture. And to top it all off, the Wilson name and logos are outlined with a special yellow that mimics that of the Pittsburgh ball club. Check out his retail glove below…
Despite his A2000 available for retail being a black and tan model, Hayes could be seen rocking an all-black A2000 during the 2023 campaign. Furthermore, during big league spring camp in 2024, Ke’Bryan came away with four brand new A2000s after Wilson visited the Pittsburgh site. It’ll be interesting to see the A2000 he’ll choose moving forward and if he can make for himself a collection of Gold Gloves after winning his first in 2023. Check out his haul from Wilson Glove Day in early 2024:
What baseball team did Charlie Hayes play for?
Ke’Bryan’s dad, Charlie, actually played for seven (7) teams during his career that spanned parts of 14 seasons:
San Francisco ['88-'89 & '98-'99]
Philadelphia ['89-'91]
New York [AL; '92 & '96-'97]
Colorado ['93-'94]
Pittsburgh ['96]
Milwaukee ['00]
Houston ['01]
Charlie won a World Series and even earned some MVP votes during his career. But Ke'Bryan has the big family bragging rights over his dad. We mentioned earlier that Ke’Bryan took home his first Gold Glove following the 2023 season. And even though Charlie played defense at an above-replacement level throughout his 14 season career, he was never selected as the winner of a Gold Glove at either the third base or first base position that he manned for most of his career.
And although he can’t claim the title of “Gold Glove” winner, Charlie can argue that Ke’Bryan’s glove has yet to make a catch as iconic as that which Charlie’s glove caught in 1996.
Charlie's New York club was leading Atlanta three games to two. There were two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game Six of the World Series. Atlanta’s Mark Lemke popped a fly ball into foul territory near third base. Charlie Hayes moved over and settled under the ball. The scene of Hayes catching the ball and NY shortstop Derek Jeter jumping at the same moment is indelible for New York fans as it ended an 18 year World Series title drought for the franchise. Watch the moment below:
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There you have it! Charlie and Ke’Bryan. Both have been unconditionally supported by Charlie's wife and Ke'Bryan's mother, Gelinda. Charlie’s glove has called it a career, but Ke’Bryan’s Wilson A2000 has plenty of road ahead of it. Will he earn more Gold Gloves? Will he become the greatest defensive third basemen in baseball history? Who knows…
And if you’ve found yourself here just wanting some glove purchasing advice, then give our Customer Experience team a call 866-321-4568 or email them via experts@justgloves.com. And if you prefer a live chat, you can connect via chat! We’re JustGloves and we’re here for you from Click to Catch!
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