Photo Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Goes Viral For Winning Charity Home Run Derby

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Sam Connon | Last updated Dec 11, 2023 5:26 PM ET

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and pitcher José Berríos joined forces to host a Charity Softball Game and Home Run Derby in Puerto Rico over the weekend.

Guerrero, who won the Home Run Derby at the MLB All-Star Game in Seattle this summer, went viral for hitting some serious moonshots down in Carolina.

MLB stars Julio Rodríguez, Edwin Díaz, Francisco Lindor, Javier Baéz, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Eddie Rosario and Jose Miranda were split up between Team Guerrero and Team La Makina – named after Berríos' foundation tasked with helping the youth in Puerto Rico. Team Guerrero won 14-9 in five innings, setting the stage for Vladdy's big moment later that night.

Leaders in the community

José and Vladdy hosted their Charity Softball Game and Home Run Derby this weekend in Puerto Rico! pic.twitter.com/TfdwJom4qJ
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) December 11, 2023

Guerrero faced off against Cleveland Guardians minor leaguer Jonathan Rodríguez in the finals of the Home Run Derby, eventually winning on the final swing of the night.

The homers Guerrero jacked had even more pop than usual, thanks to his metal bat, and fans back in the United States took notice once the highlights hit social media.

When a HR Derby champ gets a metal bat ... pic.twitter.com/zQDLgs7QuH
— MLB (@MLB) December 11, 2023

On top of his dominance swinging the bat, Guerrero also got points for winning in style.

Guerrero wore Jordan high-tops in the batter's box. They weren't cleats, either – just normal Jordans.

Vladdy really out here winning a home run derby in Jordans pic.twitter.com/OXz0g5WDMF
— Cut4 (@Cut4) December 11, 2023

Guerrero made his third consecutive All-Star appearance in 2023, hitting .264 with a26 home runs, 94 RBI, a .788 OPS and a 2.0 WAR. The 24-year-old, who is the son of Hall of Fame outfielder Vladimir Guerrero, already has 130 home runs, 404 RBI, 706 hits and a 15.2 WAR in his young MLB career.

This article first appeared on Fastball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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