MLB's Cutest on-Field Family Moments

As we await the unofficial start to the second half to the 2012 season, we take time to look at the highs and lows of the first half knowing that many more will certainly rear their heads in a matter of time.

Whether it was Josh Hamilton's four-home-run masterpiece, Matt Cain's perfect game or the emergence of some ridiculously young studs in Bryce Harper and Mike Trout, the first half has yielded plenty of memories.

They're not the only ones we can look back on with fondness, however, as a number of touching moments have taken place on the field without the players.

Here are some of those moments, as well as fun family moments from seasons past.

Air Force Dad Surprises Family

We're seeing it more and more in stadiums across the country, and no matter how many times it happens, you can never grow tired of seeing veterans reunited with their families.

Here we see Air Force Master Sgt. Dave Sims appear on the scoreboard of a Memorial Day game in Atlanta to pass along a message to his family, only to later appear in person.

Surprise Marriage Proposal

Marriage proposals are often times overdone when it comes to professional sporting events, but seeing a member of our armed forces propose on the jumbotron from overseas is certainly passable.

When he appears above the dugout, it's that much sweeter.

Prince and Cecil Fielder Playing Catch

Home Run Derby champ Prince Fielder and his father Cecil's relationship may have soured, but we can't forget the image of a young Prince playing catch with his dad prior to a game.

As if that wasn't enough, the two even appeared in a McDonald's commercial together in 1992.

Kid Runs into Outfield During Game

Knowing that this kid wasn't hurt in any way allows us to look back on the incident and laugh, and it really is cute to see outfielder Dayan Viciedo handle the situation on his own before the security personnel could make their way to him.

Still, you have to wonder what his parents were thinking (or doing) that allowed him to cross over the wall.

Kids Unknowingly Throw First Pitch to Dad

The opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a major league game is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that a great majority of us will never encounter, and when Lt. Colonel Paul Aguirre's kids find out that they threw the pitches to their father that they thought was overseas it solidified this as a moment that they'll never forget.

Mark McGwire 62nd Home Run

Mark McGwire's home run records may be forever tarnished by his admission of using performance-enhancing supplements, but the landmark season provided many memories for baseball fans as it unfolded, not the least of which was his son greeting him at home plate after he sent No. 62 into the stands. 

Girl Throws Back Ball

Every fan hopes for the opportunity to take a ball home with them when they leave the stadium, and a father wants nothing more than to be able to give that souvenir to his child.

Unfortunately for this father, his daughter was paying a little too much attention during the game and took after the players on the field as she hurled the ball as soon as she got it in her hands.

Army Dad Disguised as Ump Surprises Son

As I'll always say, reunions between children and Army parents will never get old, and when you can throw in the element of surprise it will always make the scene more compelling.

Here we see a child get the opportunity to swap out the bases in between innings at a Seattle Mariners game, only to be stopped by the infield umpire, who happened to be his father.

Cooper Stone Throws First Pitch to Josh Hamilton

After tragically losing his father earlier in the season at a Texas Rangers game, Cooper Stone returned to the stadium for the 2011 postseason along with his mother and was given the opportunity to throw out the first pitch to Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton.

There couldn't have been many dry eyes in the stadium as this is definitely one of the most touching moments we've seen on the field in quite some time.

Kerry Wood Is Greeted by Son After Final Strikeout

It can never be easy for a veteran to hang up their cleats, as players have put their heart and soul into baseball for the better part of their lives, and will never set foot on the diamond again.

Kerry Wood had the opportunity to go out on his own terms this spring, and as the Cubs faithful sent him off with a standing ovation after his final strikeout, his son was waiting for him in what became one of the best moments of the season's first half.