Going to an MLB game as a young baseball fan is always thrilling. The bright lights, the excitements of other fans around you and seeing your favorite stars in person is a treat for your senses, especially as a kid. Throw in getting a home run ball from one of your team's top players, and it is a day you will never forget.
During Tuesday night's game between the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays, Yankees star Aaron Judge launched a homer into the stands during the top of the sixth inning. The ball went soaring towards a group of hopeful fans, and after it dropped they scurried to pick it up.
The lucky winner of the home run ball was a Blue Jays fan. But after turning around, he saw a young Yankees fan behind him wearing a Judge shirt. He acted generously and handed the ball over.
Take a look at the sweet moment between opposing fans:
What it's all about 💙 pic.twitter.com/LGt2zkty5J
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 4, 2022
The young fan immediately gave the man a hug and got emotional over receiving the ball. The Blue Jays fan hugged him back, pointing at the kid and nodding in approval of the reaction.
After the game, Judge heard about what happened in the stands.
"That's what's special about this game," Judge said, according to MLB.com. "It doesn't matter what jersey you wear. Everybody's a fan; everybody appreciates this game. That's pretty cool. I've got to check out that video; that's special."
Judge did much more than check out the video. The three-time All-Star met the two fans at the Rogers Centre the following day, bringing the young one to happy tears once again.
Last night, 9-year-old Derek Rodriguez was given @TheJudge44's home run ball by Mike Lanzillotta
— MLB (@MLB) May 4, 2022
Today, they both got to meet Aaron before the game. ❤️
We are crying too. 🥺 pic.twitter.com/fmGwEv9Xgv
With a 9-1 victory over the Blue Jays on Tuesday, the Yankees headed into Wednesday's game in Toronto on an 11-game win streak.
