MLB Player Missed a Call During Church and His Wife Feared a Trade — Instead He Made the All-Star Team

San Diego Padres relief pitcher Jason Adam was attending church services over the weekend when he missed a call from the team’s manager, Mike Shildt. 

Immediately, his wife Kelsey began to worry before Adam returned the call. 

“I feel my phone vibrate, and I’m like, ‘Oh, it’s Shildty,’ and I show my wife, and she immediately goes, ‘Oh my gosh, no way, we’re traded,’ ” he tells PEOPLE.

When he stepped out to call back on Sunday, July 6, Adam, 33, learned he’d been selected for the National League All-Star team for the first time, alongside teammates Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado.

“It caused a small scene in church,” Adam says of delivering the update to Kelsey. “But she was crying, so excited.”

He then popped back out to call his parents.

“I wouldn’t be here without them,” he says. “My dad tried to play it cool, but super excited. My mom, I think, cried. They’ve been there through the ups and downs, they spent who knows how much money and time driving me all over to tournaments.”

“They were booking flights, I think, before I hung up,” Adam adds.

The father of four says that two days later, someone must have spoken with his girls about the news while they were in a playroom at a game.

“My 7-year-old… I come out after the game to give them a hug before they go home,” Adam says, “And she goes, ‘Daddy, we made the All-Star Game,’ and it made me so happy that she said we, because they’re such [a] crucial part.”

On Tuesday, July 8, Robert Suárez was also tapped for the MLB All-Star Game, scheduled for Tuesday, July 15 in Atlanta, after a Braves player was injured.

“When he comes in the game, we kick our feet up because we’re assuming the game’s over and that’s what it’s been almost every single night. So he’s special,” Adam says.

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“We’ve still got one more in that bullpen I hope gets added,” he notes.

Looking ahead, he offers two pieces of advice for the rising generation of players.

“It’s cliche, but don’t lose the child-like joy. I still tell myself that every night. It’s a game, it’s supposed to be fun,” Adam says. “Also, just trust the talent you have and keep working hard and be the aggressor.”