PHOENIX — For most trick-or-treaters, Halloween night is all about collecting as much candy as possible. But for a few lucky visitors at Merrill Kelly’s house, the Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher had something a little different waiting at the door.
These kids LOST IT when Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly gave them signed cleats while they were trick or treating
(via talariarider_x3 / TT) https://t.co/ZRf7Qxiz2I
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) November 1, 2026
Instead of handing out chocolate bars and handfuls of sweets, Kelly gave trick-or-treaters signed cleats to those who stopped by his house on Halloween.
In a TikTok video posted by user talariarider_x3, Kelly is seen greeting trick-or-treaters and giving away the autographed footwear, leaving young fans stunned by the surprise.
Aug 12, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) throws in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
“Oh my god!” one trick-or-treater exclaimed after receiving a pair of cleats.
“I love you, Merrill Kelly!” another fan shouted.
While candy is usually the highlight of Halloween for kids, getting a pair of signed cleats from a major league pitcher might be tough to beat. It was a fun reminder of the connection between players and their fans, even when the baseball season is over and the focus shifts away from the game.
May 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Kelly has made a name for himself as one of Arizona’s most dependable starters, but on Halloween night, he gave a few young baseball fans a memory that will likely last much longer than any bag of candy.
After all, there are plenty of places to get Halloween candy. Getting a signed pair of cleats from a big league pitcher? That’s a whole different kind of treat.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly returns to the clubhouse after throwing for two innings to the Kansas City Royals during a spring training game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Feb. 28, 2025, in Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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