Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a full-time ball player and a part-time wingman.
Ahead of Saturday’s game between the Blue Jays and Angels in Dunedin, Florida, Guerrero agreed with Albert Pujols, still one of baseball’s biggest names even in his later years. After the pair bumped their fists and walked away, Guerrero turned back – knowing that a teammate of his would be happy to be introduced to the future Hall of Famer.
Guerrero pointed to Santiago Espinal and beckoned him. Pujols shook hands with Espinal and patted him firmly on the shoulder. Espinal smiled from ear to ear.
The entire interaction took about 20 seconds, but it’s clearly an experience Espinal will never forget. Three-time winner of the National League MVP Award, Pujols is one of the best players representing the Dominican Republic. And Espinal, just 27 games in his MLB career, received his own special moment with his countryman.
To think that Espinal had just been summoned to the Blue Jays from the alternate training location on Saturday afternoon. And at night he shook the hand of one of baseball’s modern greats.