A heartwarming moment between Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and a young Blue Jays fan who beat cancer captivated MLB fans on Saturday after the star slugger went out of his way to make the fan’s day mid-game.
During the Blue Jays’ home tilt against the Orioles, Guerrero happened to notice a young fan wearing the jersey of teammate Bo Bichette sitting behind home plate. In the fan’s hands was a hand-made sign that read, “Hey Bo, I beat cancer like you beat the pitcher.”
The young fan’s inspiring message to one of his favorite players appeared to tug at the heart strings of Guerrero, who called for a Toronto bat boy in the dugout. The two-time All-Star then gave the bat boy one of his bats and told him to deliver the item to the young fan, an emotional scene likely he nor anyone watching at home or inside the Rogers Centre will soon forget.
.@27vladdyjr saw a young fan in the crowd with a sign that he beat cancer, so Vladdy gifted him a bat. #BiggerThanBaseball ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ncA3TDlxEI
— MLB (@MLB) May 21, 2023
Although Toronto lost Saturday’s game, 6–5, in 10 innings, Vladdy’s classy gesture gave MLB and sports fans another impactful reminder that there are more important things to life than sports.
Needless to say, watching Guerrero give the young fan a lifelong memory elicited a number of reactions on social media, with many praising the 24-year-old’s actions and showing appreciation for the touching moment:
oh my GOODNESS
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) May 21, 2023
BASEBALL IS THE BEST https://t.co/JuYfjyxb4V
Good guy Vladdy 💙 pic.twitter.com/3NdNRrILfI
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 20, 2023
Vladdy’s for the kids. pic.twitter.com/1nP4aO2IRp
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) May 20, 2023
highlight of the game right here https://t.co/nK4iork7CC
— matt harvey (@halladayfan32) May 21, 2023
Big leaguer being big league. https://t.co/GqUgHHZjPC
— Chris Monroe (@CJMonroe_10) May 20, 2023
Vladdy Jr. gave his bat to a young fan who beat cancer after he saw his sign.
— Michael Schlact (@michael_schlact) May 21, 2023
I love baseball. pic.twitter.com/rLL9vI2okb