There has to be added pressure when your dad watches you take batting practice, right? Imagine if your dad is Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero. His son, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., is making a name for himself, but the photo of the two in action is something that’ll get those old-school fans excited.
Like Father, Like Son 💙 #PLAKATA pic.twitter.com/29EfY71R1i
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) February 15, 2023
Guerrero Jr.‘s list of accomplishments as he prepares for spring training, has him proving he’s learning from the best. Two All-Star selections, a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award to boot. His 2021 season was insane when he slashed .311/.401/.601 with 188 RBI, 188 hits and a league-leading 48 home runs.
He’s coming off a strong 2022 as well with 32 long balls and an .818 OPS for Toronto.
Oh, and he’s only 23 years old.
He’ll head into a 2023 season with a vastly different look in the clubhouse that will possess veteran, and teammate favorite, Brandon Belt who signed a one-year, $9.3 million deal with the Blue Jays in January.
“It’s going to be different. A lot different,” Guerrero told MLB.com last month. “The speed, we’re going to be faster, the defense, homers. It’s going to be a more complete team.”
His dad’s 16-year career wasn’t for the faint of heart either. Nine All-Star selections, an MVP vote and eight Silver Sluggers speak for themselves. Still, he had an urgent finesse about him at the plate, with the willingness to hit pitches that weren’t deserved of such things. Like ones in the dirt, for instance.
And it doesn’t stop there on the baseball royalty family tree.
Dominican outfielder Pablo Guerrero, 16, agreed to a $97,500 signing bonus with the Texas Rangers in January during their international signings.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the very talented tree.
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.