Jessica Mucci thought she was going to throw out the first pitch at a Rochester Red Wings baseball game to a catcher. The Red Wings catcher. Your standard professional hardball backstop in a getup that consists of leg guards, a chests protector and a mask/helmet. Appropriate protection for a grueling position.

As it turns out, it’s also a brilliant disguise.

Because behind that mask was her brother, Nick Mucci, a United States Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton who wasn’t supposed to be back in town until November.

Quite the reunion.

“Complete shock,” Jessica said, upon seeing Nick. “It took me a while to realize it was him.”

“I love to surprise my family,” said Nicholas. “My family is everything to me.”