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Guerrero Jr. wears Hernandez’s Blue Jays jersey in Home Run Derby

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Guerrero Jr. wears Hernandez’s Blue Jays jersey in Home Run Derby

July 16, 2024

Although Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wasn’t defending his Home Run Derby title, the Toronto Blue Jays slugger was on hand to show his support for a former teammate and fellow Domincan who won Monday’s event.

Guerrero Jr. sported a Teoscar Hernandez Blue Jays jersey on the field at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

MLB All-Star Game on Sportsnet

Toronto Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the rest of MLB’s biggest stars will take the field in the 2024 All-Star Game. You can watch the Midsummer Classic live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ on Tuesday, July 16, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT.

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“That was a surprise,” Hernandez told ESPN’s Buster Olney during the broadcast. “When I saw him yesterday, he said, ‘I’ve got a surprise for you, compadre, so we’re going to see you tomorrow.’ Now I see it’s a jersey, custom-made from the Toronto Blue Jays.

“That makes me feel great. I know the big support that he has for me. It’s exciting. It’s amazing what he did.”

Hernandez spent six seasons with the Blue Jays until he was traded to the Seattle Mariners in 2022. He signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of this season.

The 31-year-old Hernandez mashed 19 homers during the opening round of the Home Run Derby and just made the cut to advance. He then edged Alec Bohm 16-15 in the semifinals and Bobby Witt Jr. 14-13 in the final round to win the crown.

Hernandez will compete in his second career All-Star Game on Tuesday with Guerrero Jr. set to appear in his fourth.

In a heartwarming display of respect and admiration, Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. paid tribute to a baseball legend during the 2021 Home Run Derby. Guerrero Jr. donned the jersey of former Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest power hitters in franchise history.

However, it was not just any jersey that Guerrero Jr. chose to wear. The young slugger opted for a special edition jersey that honored Bautista’s iconic bat flip from the 2015 American League Division Series. The moment, which came after Bautista hit a go-ahead three-run homer in Game 5 against the Texas Rangers, has since become a symbol of passion and intensity in baseball.

Guerrero Jr.’s decision to wear Bautista’s jersey was met with widespread praise from fans and fellow players alike. Many saw it as a touching gesture of respect towards a player who had a significant impact on the Blue Jays organization. Guerrero Jr. himself expressed his admiration for Bautista, stating that he wanted to honor the former All-Star for his contributions to the team.

The Home Run Derby itself was a memorable event for Guerrero Jr., who put on a show for fans at Coors Field in Denver. The 22-year-old slugger smashed a record-breaking 91 home runs over three rounds, ultimately falling just short of the title to New York Mets’ Pete Alonso. Despite the loss, Guerrero Jr.’s performance solidified his status as one of the most exciting young talents in baseball.

As Guerrero Jr. continues to make a name for himself in the MLB, his tribute to Jose Bautista serves as a reminder of the impact that past players can have on the next generation. By honoring those who came before him, Guerrero Jr. is not only paying homage to their accomplishments but also setting an example for future players to follow. And with his incredible talent and humble demeanor, it’s clear that Guerrero Jr. is well on his way to leaving his own mark on the game of baseball.