Athletics rookie Boog Powell admitted to being excited about meeting his namesake this week during Oakland's series in Baltimore. The younger Powell evidently felt that a strong first impression was in order.
Powell launched his first career home run Monday in the Athletics' 7-3 loss to the Orioles -- and of course, the ball landed near the elder Powell's famous barbecue stand in right field at Camden Yards.
"It didn't seem real," said Powell, who made his major league debut earlier this season with Seattle and was acquired in a trade earlier this month for Yonder Alonso.
The fan who caught the home run returned the ball to Powell, telling MLB.com that the ball landed "just short" of the elder Powell's commemorative plaque at Camden Yards.
The fan also tweeted photos of himself giving the ball to Powell, saying he wished "many more" homers for the rookie outfielder.
Such an awesome experience meeting @Boogpowell15 tonight and giving back his 1st homer! Wishing him many many more! pic.twitter.com/y0vBx42Cqk
— Tim Anderson (@TimmyWade94) August 22, 2017
On Tuesday, the younger Powell met with the Orioles legend at Boog's BBQ, located on Eutaw Street behind the outfield bleachers at Camden Yards.
"Every time I play somewhere I'd hear it from the stands," the younger Powell said. "He said he's heard about me, too. He gets asked if I am his grandson.
"It's crazy. I always told myself I would meet him here playing in the big leagues, going to his barbecue. And it actually happened."
After the two men talked about baseball and home runs, they sauntered over to get some food at Boog's barbecue stand. The 76-year-old -- known for his enormous appetite -- asked the kid what kind of sandwich he wanted.
"Got beef, pork, turkey or a mix of all of them," big Boog said.
The younger Boog took pork, and munched on it while they chatted some more in front of a place that has kept John Wesley "Boog" Powell popular in Baltimore.
"He is bigger than life," young Boog said. "After the career he's had, some guys sometimes fall off the radar. But he is so good with the fans. Every fan I have talked to going through the minors had asked me if I met him."
The Athletics rookie, born Herschel Mack Powell IV in 1993, was nicknamed "Boog" by his parents when he was a child.
The elder Powell played 14 seasons with the Orioles from 1961 to 1974 and was the American League MVP in 1970. The 6-foot-4 first baseman helped the Orioles win two World Series, was a four-time All-Star and finished his 17-year career with 339 home runs.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.