In an unexpected twist to the story of Red Sox top prospect Roman Anthony’s MLB debut, his sister Lia gained widespread attention on social media, becoming the talk of baseball fans and internet users alike. The situation unfolded during the Red Sox’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park, where Roman Anthony, the No. 1 prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline, made his long-anticipated debut.
While the focus was on Roman’s performance, it was Lia, Roman’s sister, who became the unexpected star of the show. Lia’s Instagram following saw an unprecedented increase, with her followers rising from 3,000 to over 17,000 within a few days due to the media attention she received. She was featured on the NESN broadcast, which led to a surge of messages on her social media profile. Lia mentioned that she had ‘quite a few DMs’ and was receiving messages from fans, some of whom humorously referenced a baseball mishap.
The entire Anthony family was present for the game, including Roman’s father, Anthony Sr., his brother Tony, and their mother Lori. Lia described the experience as ‘surreal,’ emphasizing that the moment was unexpected for her and her family. Despite the attention she received, Lia noted that Roman was focused on his debut and seemed unfazed by the viral attention he was getting. Roman went 0-for-4 with a sacrifice fly and an RBI, but managed to secure his first career hit with a two-RBI double on Wednesday.
During the game, NESN sideline reporter Jahmai Webster interviewed the Anthony family, which was a key factor in Lia’s viral fame. Lia also had the opportunity to meet Red Sox legend David Ortiz, a moment she described as ‘unreal.’ She shared that Ortiz had spoken with her mother, expressing his belief in Roman’s potential and describing him as ‘the face of the franchise.’ Lia emphasized that her mother was particularly moved by the interaction with Ortiz, which she felt was a meaningful and emotional experience.
While Roman Anthony’s debut did not result in a performance for the books, the attention he and his family received highlights the unique dynamics within professional sports. The family’s presence at the game, combined with the media coverage, created a moment that resonated with fans and brought a personal touch to the high-profile event. The viral attention on Lia’s part also underscores the power of social media in amplifying personal stories beyond the sports arena, making the Red Sox debut a memorable and significant event in both the sports and social media landscapes.