Juan Soto had a close call before the game started.
Thinking he still had time before the first pitch, Soto went to the right field stands to sign autographs, but then noticed that Nestor Cortez was about to start the game.
“I was hesitant because I looked at the clock and the game was scheduled to start at 6:08,” Soto said after the Yankees’ 7-0 win on Monday. “So, I had about two minutes. [to sign] And when I turned around, Nestor was about to start moving. [on the mound]. “Oh my god,” I thought. ”
It may not be all that rare to get an autograph from your favorite Yankee, but it’s even rarer to get an autograph from your favorite Yankee while playing in the outfield.
Video of the encounter quickly spread on social media, showing Soto holding the glove under his arm as he tried to get the fan’s attention.
Soto then turned toward the pitcher’s mound to see if Cortez, who pitched eight scoreless innings on Monday, was ready to pitch to batters.
Fans then threw balls and autograph markers at Soto, and the fans around Soto, who was wearing a navy blue jacket and Yankees cap, cheered.
Soto was able to return the memorabilia to the fans and prepare to resume play with plenty of time to spare.
Monday was a great night for Soto as he hit his first Yankee Stadium home run of the year into the right field stands.
An explosive three-run shot in the fourth inning gave the Yankees a 6-0 victory over Miami.
Soto made his home debut Friday in the Yankees’ 3-0 loss to the Blue Jays and hit his first home run in pinstripes on March 30 against the Astros.
The 25-year-old, whose contract expires after the 2024 season, has quickly become a fan favorite in the Bronx for his play on the field and interaction with fans.
“When they give you so much love, you have to give love back,” Soto said.
