Canadian-Dominican ball player Vladimir Guerrero Jr. grew up watching his father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., play in many MLB All-Star Games during his legendary career. Now, Guerrero Jr. wants to create the same kind of memories for his own kids.
On Tuesday (July 16), the Toronto Blue Jays first baseman will be playing in the fourth MLB All-Star Game of his six-year career.
“I want to go out there and have a good time not only for me, but also for my family,” Guerrero Jr., 25, told Remezcla during a recent interview. “I’m a dad now, so I want to show my kids the ropes and want them to see … some of the greatest players in the world on the same field.”
This year, Guerrero Jr. has decided not to defend his title as the MLB Home Run Derby champion. He won the event last year when he hit 25 home runs in the final round. The Derby takes place Monday (July 15).
“Last year, I felt very fatigued, so this year I wanted to stay fresh and give it my all for the second half of the season,” he said.
Guerrero Jr. won the Derby title 16 years after his father won it. They became the first father-son duo to accomplish the feat. There are plenty more awards Guerrero Jr. will have the opportunity to win to match his father, but he doesn’t feel any pressure about living up to him.
“My dad had an amazing career and put up the stats,” he said. “Now, it’s my turn to make my own legacy. I don’t pay attention to all the comparisons. Some of them are neat whenever they come up, but I’m really focused on creating my own career.”
Guerrero Jr., who has a partnership with BodyArmor, also doesn’t feel any pressure about becoming a free agent at the end of the 2025 season. Earlier this month, he told TSN Sports that his decision would come down to “business.”
“I’m just going to give it my all and the results are going to be there at the end,” he said. “Right now, I’m really focused on the present – day-by-day, game-by-game and leaving the rest for when it happens.”
During his time in the MLB, Guerrero Jr. has also had the chance to build friendships, not only with other ball players but with celebrities from different industries. One of those men is rapper Eladio Carrión, who recruited Guerrero Jr. for his music video, “Si Salimos.”
“My relationship with Eladio is really tight,” he said. “At this stage of my life, I consider him a brother.”
When asked to share the names of his three favorite musicians, Guerrero Jr. made sure to reiterate how much he enjoyed listening to the Puerto Rican performer.
“Eladio Carrión, Eladio Carrión, Eladio Carrión,” he said.
We’re sure there are countless baseball fans in Toronto who would repeat Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s name three times when asked who their favorite ballplayer is, too.
Coverage of the 2024 All-Star Game will air on FOX at 7 p.m. ET, with the first pitch coming about an hour later.
