The conclusion of the MLB All-Star festivities last night saw the Toronto Blue Jays slugging first-baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a massive home-run, the 200th total in the All-Star game. The blast, along with an RBI groundout was enough for the Dominican native to be named MVP of the contest.
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During the middle of the game, there was a pause for the many people who have had the difficult battle with cancer. The segment saw everyone in the stands, including the All-Star’s holding up signs with a loved ones name on it, as they Stand Up To Cancer. In a heartfelt moment for many, the eventual MVP’s card was flashed on screen.
Bigger than the game 💙 🧡
Vladdy Jr. 🤝 @TreyMancini pic.twitter.com/DxJ0dlLGIE
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 14, 2021
His card was dedicated to former Notre Dame star and All-Star teammate Trey Mancini. Guerrero Jr. wasn’t the only one either, as Baltimore teammate Cedric Mullins did the same.
Not surprising given their friendship. But during the Stand Up To Cancer segment of the All-Star Game, Cedric Mullins holds a sign that says “Boom Boom Trey” for teammate Trey Mancini, a colon cancer survivor. pic.twitter.com/45Vcll2hNi
— Dan Connolly (@danconnolly2016) July 14, 2021
Mullins dedication should come as a surprise, but for Guerrero Jr. to recognize Mancini is special. They aren’t teammates, aside from this game, and there’s a language barrier as well, with the MVP not being very comfortable with his English.
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That didn’t matter at all as the sentiment from Guerrero Jr. speaks much louder than the fact that they can’t fully communicate with each other. In a night full of stars, this was a very touching moment.