From Video Games to the Ballpark Jazz Chisholm Jr. and a Little Leaguer Build a Friendship

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Mar 19, 2025 5:45 PM ET

New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. takes his role as a mentor seriously—and personally. After meeting Russell McGee, a young player from Nevada competing in last year's Little League World Series, Chisholm struck up an unexpected friendship. They exchanged phone numbers, stayed in touch, and just like that, Chisholm had a "little brother.”

On Tuesday, they reunited at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater. McGee was in Florida visiting family, and Chisholm didn't hesitate to invite him to see the Yankees play the Phillies.

"We've been keeping in contact. We play video games together, we talk all the time, we FaceTime," Chisholm told Greg Joyce of the New York Post.

Since their first meeting, the two have stayed close, with Chisholm saying they've met up six or seven times. During batting practice, McGee had the kind of access most young fans dream of, standing alongside big leaguers like Cody Bellinger, Anthony Volpe, manager Aaron Boone, and hitting coach James Rowson.

"He's just like my little brother for real," Chisholm said. "It means a lot to me, having a kid that really looks up to me in that way, be a brother to me. He watches all the games. He even calls me and is like, 'Yeah, bro, that fastball was a little bit off yesterday.' Just stuff like that. He keeps me motivated.”

For Chisholm, this relationship isn't just about baseball—it's about giving back.

"Just giving it to the new generation is all I want to do, so it's cool,” he said with a smile.

Chisholm is the new generation of MLB and Yankees stars. His first spring training has been memorable.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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