'Love, Daddy': Baseball Glove Inscribed With Late Father's Handwriting Holds Precious Meaning For Boy

NORTH FORK, NY — The North Fork mourned when Matthew Rolle died in 2021 after a fierce battle with cancer.

Rolle's son Clayton was just four years old when his father died, but there are some bonds that are transcend time and distance — fierce ties that cannot be dimmed by death or loss.

Matthew and his son shared a deep love of baseball — and now, Clayton has a glove, specially inscribed with the words, "Love, Daddy" in his father's handwriting.

It's a gift beyond measure, Haley Rolle, Clayton's mother, said, adding that the love her husband left behind lights the way for their children.

"From the time Clayton was just a year and a half old, it was clear to both his father and I that baseball was more than just a game — it was a natural part of who he was," Haley said. "Whether he was throwing a ball, swinging a plastic bat, or eagerly watching his father play in competitive adult softball leagues, his passion and talent were evident from an early age."

Matt, she said, "was an exceptional baseball player. He lettered three years at Mattituck High School as a pitcher, first baseman, and third baseman where he earned All-County, All-League, Most Valuable Player and the Cy Young Award."

He continued his baseball career into college where he played at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL (NCAA Division II) from 2003 to 2006, leading the team in strikeouts, she said.

"His dedication, work ethic, and love for the sport left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him," Haley said. "More importantly, he passed those same qualities on to his son."

Although he was still very young when his father died, Haley said: "He was fortunate to have already shared many special moments with his dad. One of the things I treasure most is the countless videos we have of them together, and we watch them often."

One of Clayton’s favorites, she said, is from August 2018.

"Back then, we would bring his little plastic bat, ball, and tee to his dad’s softball games. After each game, we’d set him up on the field, where he would swing with all his might, send the ball flying, and then run the bases. He did it over and over again, completely in his element. It’s a simple memory, but one that brings us so much joy and keeps those special moments with his dad close to our hearts"

When their family relocated to Middle Tennessee in January 2025, Clayton quickly formed friendships with many of the neighborhood children, Haley said.

"A number of them are actively involved in competitive baseball, participating in Little League and travel ball programs. They spend much of their free time together organizing wiffle ball games and spending hours playing outside," she said. "They regularly show up to attend one another’s games to cheer each other on, creating such a strong sense of friendship, teamwork, and community."

This year, Clayton joined his first Little League team in Tennessee, Haley said.

"After just a few practices, Deric— Clayton’s stepfather — and I knew he had found the right place. The level of talent and competition in the league was unlike anything we had experienced before, and we were immediately impressed. Clayton embraced the challenge, fit right in with his teammates, and quickly began to excel."

Deric, she said, played competitive adult softball and, through one of his teams, became acquainted with David Stern, owner of Signature Diamond Gloves.

"Wanting to create a meaningful tribute for Clayton in honor of his father, Deric shared the idea with me, and from that moment I knew it was going to be something truly special," Haley said. "He then reached out to David Stern to learn about designing a custom glove. As soon as he heard the story, Stern was eager to be part of creating such a meaningful gift."

She added: "One day after a game, we casually asked Clayton, 'If you could have any color glove for the rest of your life, what color — or colors — would it be?' Without hesitation, he answered, 'Red and black.' That simple response marked the beginning of a process driven by care, precision, and thoughtful attention to every detail," she said.

And the gift was a way for her son to keep his father close forever.

"Shortly before Matt passed away, I asked him to write a message in a book for each of our children," Haley said. "From that, I was able to capture a photo of his handwritten 'Love, Daddy,' which was then stitched into the glove. To make it even more meaningful, we also included his birth date, the date of his passing, and his baseball number, #34, accented with angel wings."

More than just a baseball glove, the gift carries with it a legacy of deep and abiding love.

"When we received the glove, I had written a letter for Clayton to read before opening it. It said: 'We wanted to give you something special — something that represents not only your love for baseball, but also the love and pride that surrounds you every day. Watching you play has been such a gift. You are an incredible baseball player with so much natural talent and potential. The biggest thing we want you to remember is this: Believe in yourself the way we believe in you. You are capable of so much more than you sometimes realize."

The note continued: "Confidence matters just as much as talent, and when you truly trust yourself, there is no limit to what you can accomplish. Don’t second guess your ability. Play with courage, play with heart, and know that you belong on that field. This custom glove was made in memory of your dad. He would be unbelievably proud of the young man you are becoming, both on and off the field. Every time you step onto that baseball field, you carry a piece of him with you — his strength, his heart, and his love for you. This glove is more than just equipment. It’s a reminder that you are loved, supported, and cheered on every step of the way — by both of us, and by your father’s memory that will always live on through you! We are so proud of you! Love, Mom and Deric."

Haley added: "The letter in itself made Clayton emotional, but as soon as he finished the letter he said, 'Can I open it now?' He opened the box and saw the red and black glove and immediately put it on his hand. I said to him, 'Do you see what’s on it?' and then explained each special part. He was speechless, but the joy in his face said everything. In that moment, he realized he now had a piece of his dad that he could carry with him onto the field every time he played."

Of the experience, Haley said: "It was truly priceless and a memory that we will never forget. Although Matt is no longer with us, his influence continues to be felt every time Clayton steps onto the field. The lessons he taught, the passion he shared, and the example he set live on through every game, every practice, and every achievement. Watching my son play is a reminder of the bond they shared and the legacy that continues through him. As Clayton grows in his baseball journey, he not only pursues his own dreams but also honors the memory of his father, whose spirit remains a part of every pitch, every swing, every success."

Signature Diamond Gloves also posted a photo of the special gift. "This is the most meaningful glove that Signature Diamond Gloves has created to date. Clayton lost his father at a young age, and his mother and stepfather wanted to do something truly special for him. They reached out to us with a sample of his father's handwriting from before he passed away, and we were honored to stitch it directly onto the glove. Until the day Clayton sees his father again, he'll always carry a piece of him onto the field. The excitement and joy on his face when he received his new glove reminded us what this business is really all about. We wish Clayton nothing but the best of luck with his glove and his baseball journey."

David Stern, founder of Signature Diamond Gloves, added: "I feel a special connection with Clayton because I also lost my father at a young age. Seeing the video of him opening the glove for the first time brought me an incredible feeling of euphoria. Moments like that remind me exactly why I started this company in the first place. I can’t thank Clayton’s family enough for trusting me to create something so meaningful for him and the family to enjoy for years to come."