WATCH: “Got to give it to this kid” – Young Yankees fan meets Aaron Judge after receiving home-run ball by Blue Jays supporter


WATCH: “Got to give it to this kid” – Young Yankees fan meets Aaron Judge after receiving home-run ball by Blue Jays supporter

Aaron Judge (Center) with Mike Lanzillotta and Derek Rodriguez

The video of a Blue Jays fan identified as Mike Lanzillotta giving a home run ball to a young Yankees fan Derek Rodriguez went viral like crazy on the internet on Tuesday.

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This heartfelt moment took place when Lanzillotta succeeded in snagging a sixth-inning home run ball in left field from New York’s Aaron Judge for the nine-year-old at Rogers Centre. It led to a beautiful moment where the kid tearfully hugged the Blue Jays fan and the wholesome video gained a massive amount of likes and shares across social media platforms.

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Derek (wearing a Judge shirt), who marked his presence with his father, Cesar Rodriguez, purchased tickets for all three games in Toronto between the Blue Jays and Yankees. 

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When it came to me, and I picked it up, and I was just like, ‘Wow, like, I got to give it to this kid,’” Lanzillotta told The Athletic. “It’s his player, his T-shirt.”

“That’s what’s special about this game” 

Blue Jays fan Mike Lanzillotta with young Yankees fan Derek Rodriguez
Blue Jays fan Mike Lanzillotta with young Yankees fan Derek Rodriguez

The Californian MLB star Judge was told about this moment by reporters following the game, in which his team won 9-1.

“No way,” he said. “That’s what’s special about this game. It doesn’t matter what jersey you wear. Everybody appreciates this game. That’s pretty cool. I’ve got to check out that video.”

“That’s a moment that’s been seen around the world now,” Judge said of the emotional exchange. “It just speaks volumes to the Blue Jays fans they have here. It’s a cool little connection they’ve got.”

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Rodriguez, his family as well as Lanzillotta were invited onto the field and into the Yankees dugout ahead of Wednesday’s series finale against Toronto. Following this, Derek teared up again when Judge stopped by for a quick chat, who signed the home run ball and even handed over a pair of his batting gloves.

I’m really excited. My dream is to meet Aaron Judge, and well, I’m really happy that I got the ball from his home run,” Rodriguez told.

My friends and my teacher were really happy and they congratulated me. My teacher even made a presentation where she showed what happened, and people got to touch the ball. It was just amazing,” he concluded.

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