Andrew Velazquez had his mom and dad, his brother, his grandmother, and maybe some aunts in the stands on Saturday, all of whom got to see him hit his first career home run in the Yankees’ 7-1 win over the Twins.
Some of those relatives he said he didn’t even know were in New York until he saw a video replay – but his home run trot wouldn’t have changed had he known.
“I was just thinking get home as quick as I could so I could celebrate with the boys in the dugout,” Velazquez smiled after the game.
“Cool moment, a no-doubter,” manager Aaron Boone added. “He’s playing really well for us and helping us win games. It’s awesome, and we’re excited to see him performing the way he is.”
The biggest homer of his life for sure, as Velazquez joked that in the midst of the exhilaration of the moment, it “felt like all the other homers I’ve ever hit in my life didn’t count.”
Even better than hitting it, or having a ton of family there to see it? Yankees security director Eddie Fastook was able to track the ball down and get it back.
“It was a clean give up, Eddie said he was a military man and gave it up clean,” Velazquez said. “Whoever it was, thank you. I’m keeping that one.”
Velazquez has been a spark plug on both the offensive and defensive sides for the Yankees during their recent run, and while it could all come crashing down tomorrow,
“I’m just trying to take it one day at a time. Right now we’re rolling, so I’m just trying to stay in the moment do I don’t get lost in everything else that’s happening,” Velazquez said. “I’ve been doing a good job of separating; when I get here it’s about work, and the guys are so good about being loose and staying on business that I can’t help but fall in line.”
Nor can he help falling in line with someone else in the Stadium.
“When I was on deck, all day, some guy kept screaming at me to hit my first one. ‘DOWN THE LINE!’ he kept yelling,” Velazquez laughed. “I was 0-for-3 and I figured I’d take his approach, because mine ain’t working.”
Another dream come true in a season full of them for Velazquez, and his energy has been infectious.
“It’s been really special, and I feel really fortunate to be able to share those emotions with him and watch him flourish here on the biggest stage while he fulfills his dream,” Gerrit Cole, who started Saturday’s game, said. “I can’t imagine what his family is feeling right now, but I’m sure it’s a really special time. I’m thankful we have him and he’s been playing really well for us.”
Follow Lou DiPietro on Twitter: @LouDiPietroWFAN
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch