ARLINGTON.- For a moment, Mauricio Dubón could do nothing but laugh when Derek Jeter asked the Astros utility man how he became interested in baseball.
And that was precisely what he responded to Jeter in a touching moment on the FOX show before Game 5 of the American League Championship Series at Globe Life Field.
“You are the reason I love this game,” Dubón told him. “Many people in Honduras are probably watching. A lot of people in Honduras are probably going crazy right now because every kid in Honduras, growing up, always watched the Red Sox and the Yankees. He watched the three fight. Like I said before we went on air, the 8 year old in me would be freaking out right now. It’s pretty amazing to be here.
“You are one of the reasons I love this game. I remember having a poster of you when I was little. At every level, I wore No. 2 until I got to the Major Leagues.”
Papi the photographer returns for a special moment between Mauricio Dubón and his childhood baseball idol, Derek Jeter. ❤️????@kevinburkhardt | @AROD | @davidortiz | @derekjeter pic.twitter.com/fM5aUka1MF
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 20, 2023
Dubón joined the program with Jeter, as well as two other former major leaguers, Alex Rodríguez and David Ortiz.
Dubón, who came up through the minor leagues playing shortstop but received his two Gold Glove nominations as a second baseman and as a utility mancontinued his solid performance at the plate over the final two months of the season in the playoffs, coming into Friday’s game 8-for-17.
Astros manager Dusty Baker rewarded Dubón with more playing time and the second spot in the offensive order. One of the Houston fans’ favorite players joined the broadcast to talk about his good start and share a special moment.
Dubón is proud of his country of origin and does not hide it. Earlier in the season, Dubón sought out Adam Wainwright to thank the Cardinals starter for his work with a nonprofit that went to Honduras and helped communities access clean water.
So it’s no surprise that Dubón made sure to mention the fans in Honduras when Jeter asked him. He was even able to get a photo with his childhood baseball idol with the help of Big Papi.
Via: mlb.com
2023-10-20 23:04:45
#Dubón #Jeter #reason #love #game
