At mid-day, however, the anticipation took a backseat to a baseball fundamental: a father talking to a son.
MORE: Watch ‘ChangeUp,’ a new MLB live whiparound show on DAZN
Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero’s video letter to his son, equal parts love, pride and hopefulness, opens with the son as a child (“I knew your name before I met you”) and progresses rapidly, as the son has through minors.
“I’m so proud of you, son. … I can’t wait to see you play,” Vlad Sr. says.
The Blue Jays finally made the move official Friday afternoon that the younger Guerrero would be joining the big club.
The third baseman will hit fifth in the Jays’ order in their home game against the Athletics.
First-year manager Charlie Montoyo has preached patience to fans no matter where the young player bats but also appeared swept up in the moment himself.
“It’s a big moment for the Toronto Blue Jays,” Montoyo said (via the Toronto Sun) after his team’s 4-0 loss Thursday to the Giants. “He’s been the number one prospect in baseball and it’s coming on Friday.
“Hopefully he becomes what everybody thinks he can become and that’s going to be good for the city of Toronto and the Blue Jays.”
