Kind Gesture From Toronto Blue Jays Fan Goes Viral After Gifting Home-Run Ball
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A kind gesture from a Toronto Blue Jays fan has gone viral online after he gifted a home-run ball to a nearby Yankees fan during a May 4 game in Toronto.
When the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge struck a home run to left field in the sixth inning, the camera followed the flying baseball into the seats at Rogers Centre, where a Blue Jays fan, Mike Lanzillotta, scooped up the ball, raising his arms in a split second of victory.
But his next gesture came to everyone’s surprise.
Lanzillotta leaned forward and placed the ball in the outstretched hands of a young Yankees fan, Derek Rodriguez, who was standing in the row behind him, wearing a Yankees ball cap and a jersey bearing Judge’s name.
Jaw agape and overwhelmed with emotion, the boy burst into tears and embraced Lanzillotta for several moments before the two settled back into their seats.
Enjoy the kindness. 🥺
Aaron Judge and this very generous Blue Jays fan made this kid’s night! pic.twitter.com/qgFe9j8BTX
— MLB (@MLB) May 4, 2022
A video of their heart-warming interaction went viral on the internet soon after.
Judge, who was told about the exchange, later walked up to meet with both the nine-year-old and Lanzillotta.
“That’s what’s special about this game,” Judge said, reported the Toronto Star.
“It doesn’t matter what jersey you wear, everybody is a fan, everybody appreciates this game. That’s pretty cool. I’ve got to check out that video. That’s special.”