Yankees’ Aaron Judge meets fans who went viral over a gifted home run ball
Baseball can really be heartwarming sometimes.
I know it doesn’t always seem like that — for evidence, ask the Diamondbacks’ Madison Bumgarner— but the national pastime has its moments.
One of those moments came Tuesday night when a young Yankees fan made the trek across enemy lines, traveling to Rogers Centre to watch the Yankees take on the Blue Jays. New York’s pinstriped warriors made their presence felt, racing to 9-1 victory.
But in the sixth inning, something beautiful happened. Aaron Judge smacked a ball into the left field bleachers — and right into the lap of Blue Jays fan Mike Lanzillota. It’s every fans dream to snag a stray ball in the park.
Yet, as Lanzillota celebrated reeling the ball in, he caught the young Yankees fan — nine-year old Derek Rodriguez — in the stands. Rodriguez was sporting a shirt with Judge’s name and number on it. And Lanzillota immediately knew what to do, handing the ball over to a grateful Rodriguez. The two shared an emotional embrace, one that broadcasters fortunately caught on camera.
Here’s the video if you haven’t seen it. Fair warning, you might need a tissue…or seven.
Enjoy the kindness. 🥺
Aaron Judge and this very generous Blue Jays fan made this kid’s night! pic.twitter.com/qgFe9j8BTX
— MLB (@MLB) May 4, 2022
The clip of the moment made the rounds on social media, captivating the baseball world.
On Wednesday, the two fans met again, this time in the dugout. The Yankees invited Rodriguez and Lanzillotta to their rematch with the Blue Jays. Tears streamed down the young fan’s face as he met his sports hero.
Last night, 9-year-old Derek Rodriguez was given @TheJudge44‘s home run ball by Mike Lanzillotta
Today, they both got to meet Aaron before the game. ❤️
We are crying too. 🥺 pic.twitter.com/fmGwEv9Xgv
— MLB (@MLB) May 4, 2022
And despite his hulking 6-foot-8, 282-pound frame, Judge was a gentle giant. He spoke at length with Lanzillotta before kneeling down to speak with Rodriguez. The pair shared a laugh as Rodriguez turned around and flashed the Yankees’ slugger’s No. 99 to him. Then, they all came together to pose for a picture.
It was another precious moment, one that reaffirmed all the good things the game can bring. Yes, baseball is a fickle mistress, one that can frustrate fans (I should know, my dad watches the Orioles every day).
But, sometimes there are brief moments of bliss. Rodriguez, Lanzillotta and Judge shared one on Wednesday evening.
Now, excuse me while I go dry my eyes. I think they’re a bit sweaty right now.