Dodgers lefty Rich Hill pays tribute to his late son after signing 3-year deal

Dec 5, 2016; National Harbor, MD, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Rich Hill (left) speaks as Dodgers manager Dave Rogers (right) listens during a press conference announcing Hill's signing a three year contract during the 2016 MLB Winter Meetings at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Rich Hill certainly didn't take the conventional route to his first huge payday in the majors, and he couldn't hide his appreciation when the big day finally arrived Monday.

The Dodgers, who acquired the lefty from the A's on Aug. 1, re-signed him to a three-year, $48 million deal. Not bad for a 36-year-old who has returned from shoulder surgery and Tommy John surgery, and who pitched for the independent Long Island Ducks in 2015.

And those were just the professional setbacks he faced since being drafted in the fourth round by the Cubs in 2002 and pitching for eight major-league teams since 2008. Even more challenging was the tragic loss of his son Brooks, who died in 2014 from complications after birth.

Speaking at the news conference to announce his new contract Monday, Hill thanked his wife Caitlyn and his sons Brice and Brooks in a very touching moment:

Caitlin and son Brice were in attendance Monday to share the special day with him.

As Hill said, it's been an "incredible journey -- one that still has a few adventures to come.