TORONTO (AP) — The young Yankees fan who became a viral sensation this week more tears of joy on Wednesday when he met his hero, New York slugger Aaron Judge.
It came hours after cameras caught Derek Rodriguez (9) tearfully hugging Blue Jays fan Mike Lanzillotta after Lanzillotta grabbed Judge’s home run ball in the sixth inning and handed it to Derek.
Rodriguez, his family and Lanzillotta were invited onto the field and into the Yankees dugout for Wednesday’s series finale against the Blue Jays.
Derek burst into tears again as Judge stopped by for a brief chat, signed the home run ball and handed over a pair of his batting gloves.
“That’s a moment that has now been seen around the world,” Judge said of the emotional exchange. “It speaks volumes for the Blue Jays fans they have here. It’s a cool little connection they have.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he was moved by Lanzillotta’s gesture.
“Honestly, watching it last night really warmed my heart,” Boone said.
Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres also spoke to Derek in Spanish. Derek was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and his family moved to Canada about five years ago.
Derek, who plays shortstop and rightfield, is named after Yankees Hall of Fame shortstop Derek Jeter. The youngster said he brought his prized ball to school on Wednesday.
“My friends and my teacher were very happy and they congratulated me,” he said. “My teacher even made a presentation showing what was happening, and people were allowed to touch the ball. It was just amazing.”
Yankees spokesman Jason Zillo said the Rodriguez and Lanzillotta family have been invited to bring a group of nine people to New York later this season to watch a Yankees game from the seats of The Judge’s Chambers in right field.
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