Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez’s wife, Irmarie Báez, marked an emotional milestone this week as she honored the first anniversary of her mother’s passing with a profoundly personal Instagram post that has resonated widely across the baseball community.

Instead of offering a general reflection, Irmarie opened her heart directly to the memories she has carried for a year, posting a carefully curated series of images that traced her mother’s presence through defining moments of her life. The first photo, pulled from her wedding day, set an immediate emotional tone, capturing her mother’s unmistakable joy as she stood beside her daughter at one of the happiest moments of her life.

From there, the post unfolded into a quiet narrative of family snapshots, tender interactions with her children, and hospital moments that held the weight of final goodbyes.The final slide, a picture taken from behind of her mother walking into an airport terminal, introduced a symbolic layer to the tribute, one fans interpreted as a visual metaphor for her mother’s “new journey.” What made the post even more powerful was Irmarie’s willingness to articulate the complicated emotions she has confronted over the last twelve months.

In a long caption filled with raw honesty, she wrote, “One year without you… A year ago, the greatest and hardest test of my life came to an end.

A year ago, a process began that I still don’t understand. I ask myself many questions, but only God has the answers.”

Irmarie shares the emotional journey of living through a year of profound absence

As she continued, Irmarie described how grief has woven itself into her routines, forcing her to adapt to a reality she never expected so suddenly. “A year ago, I had to dry my tears and carry on.

A year ago, I laugh to keep from crying,” she wrote, capturing the push-and-pull of trying to remain strong while the loss still feels immediate. She explained how rituals such as placing flowers at her mother’s resting place, lighting candles, and listening to her favorite music have become her way of staying connected even when the distance feels immeasurable.

The caption revealed how these gestures have become emotional anchors.

“A year ago, your absence hurts. A year ago, putting flowers on your wall, lighting a candle, and listening to your favorite music makes me feel closer to you,” she added. She admitted that she has spent much of the year “living on autopilot,” hoping time will eventually help her find a steadier footing. The lines that followed showed how deeply the mother-daughter bond remains intact: “A year ago, my dance partner left me.

A year ago, Mom, I wished things hadn’t turned out this way, but it was God’s will, and knowing you’re okay, I accept it with peace in my heart.”The final part of her tribute carried an affectionate promise. “I love you and miss you, Juli. Watch over us and protect us all; I’ll take care of the rest. A kiss to heaven,” she wrote, closing the caption with a message of love that resonated deeply with followers. Within minutes, messages from fellow MLB partners filled the comments, offering comfort and solidarity. Katia Lindor wrote, ” sending you a big hug ,” while Danna Urshela added, “I hug you from a distance.

You have a little angel watching over you and yours .” Waleiny Brown, girlfriend of Justyn-Henry Malloy, responded with a simple “🫂🤍,” letting the quiet symbol speak for itself