Baseball continues to serve as a platform to remind us that we live in a tight-knit world. On Saturday, Toronto Blue Jays rookie Vlad Jr. was the latest example of this.
Some things happen in professional baseball that proves just how small the world we live in is. As Toronto Blue Jays rookie Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Vlad Jr.) begins his young and hopeful career, he already is making connections to his beloved father, Hall of Fame outfielder Vladimir Guerrero.
Vlad Jr. has been quiet through his first six games. He is homer-less and only has one extra-base hit. However, on Saturday, May 4 against the Texas Rangers, he recorded his first career RBI when he reached on a single to left, scoring Justin Smoak.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Out of all the players, he draws a connection, Smoak stands out among the rest.
As random as Justin Smoak is, he does serve as a connection to Vlad Jr.’s father, since they both played on the Texas Rangers.
When veteran first baseman Smoak debuted in 2010 for the Rangers, he recorded his first career RBI with a sacrifice fly to centerfield in the sixth inning.
Who scored the run? Vladimir Guerrero Sr.
Just a few games into his young career and he cannot help but make a connection to his father.
The 20-year-old Toronto Blue Jays rookie has yet to exceed expectations thus far. Vlad Jr. is only batting .167 through eight games this season and he looks to improve, and hopefully add his first career home run this week at home against the Minnesota Twins.
A connection to his father somewhere down the line in his career was inevitable, but who would think it would occur this soon. They may have more connections than we think as Vlad Jr. begins to build a legacy of his own. The young third baseman looks to create a brighter future for the Toronto Blue Jays.