This Day in History: Vladdy Gets the Call
On April 26, 2019, the Toronto Blue Jays called up the most exciting prospect in franchise history. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a name everyone should be familiar with by now, as he's had a significant impact on the Jays in just a short amount of time. As a baseball fan or a sports fan in general, it's essential to know about this rising star and the impact he's making on his team. Join us as we delve into what makes Vladito such a special player and how he's changing the game for the Toronto Blue Jays!
The Family Legacy
Let's start with why Guerrero Jr. has such a buzz around his name. He's the son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr., who was a nine-time All-Star and won an MVP award during his time in the big leagues. Guerrero Jr. grew up playing ball with his father, and as he got older, it became evident that he had inherited some of his dad's baseball talents (and his autograph). When the Blue Jays signed Guerrero Jr. in 2015, the hype began to build. Fans wanted to see what the son of a legend could do on a major league field.
The Early Years
Guerrero Jr. spent some time honing his skills in the minor leagues, where he quickly made a name for himself. He hit .381 with 20 homers in just 61 games at the 2018 season across four levels, causing the Blue Jays to call him up to the majors in 2019. Despite some struggles in his first year, Guerrero Jr. showed signs of the potential that made him such a sought-after prospect. He hit .272 with 15 homers and 69 RBI in 2019 with the Jays but knew he could do better.
The Breakout Season
Fast forward to 2021, and Guerrero Jr. is having a breakout season. He made some significant adjustments to his swing in the off-season, emphasizing his lower half and using his legs more to generate power. He finished the year with the Major League lead in homeruns with 48, and leading the American League in OBP, SLG, OPS+ and runs. He finished second in MVP voting to Shohei Ohtani after his historic season.
The Impact on Toronto
Guerrero Jr.'s impact isn't just felt on the field. He's helped rejuvenate the Blue Jays fan base, which had been waiting for a star player to rally around. He's also been a spokesperson for the team, making appearances on talk shows and other media outlets to promote the Blue Jays brand. His impact goes far beyond his production on the field; he's helped put the Blue Jays back on the map as a relevant, exciting team.
The Future
As Vladdy continues to improve and develop his skills, it's scary to think about the type of player he could become. He has all the tools to be one of the best players in baseball for years to come. The Blue Jays are lucky to have him on their team, and fans are lucky to be able to watch him play. As the team continues to grow and develop around him, the sky is the limit for what they could accomplish.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a special player who has quickly become one of the most exciting players in baseball. He's making a significant impact on the Toronto Blue Jays and has helped bring excitement back to the city of Toronto. With his incredible talent and work ethic, there's no telling what he will achieve in his career. For baseball fans, Guerrero Jr. is a must-watch player who is changing the game in front of our eyes.