MLB breakout star Jeremy Peña, is getting plenty of love from fans after he revealed why he does a unique gesture during moments of triumph with the Houston Astros. Peña can often be seen putting his hands together to make a heart shape. And those who thought it was for his fans are partially right. It’s for his biggest fan, his mom Cecilia.
Just recently (October 19), Peña was asked what it meant by sports commentator Lauren Shehadi. Instantly, a smile came to his face and he made the heart gesture again while saying, “It’s a heart. For my mom.”
The son of retired MLB player and Dominican-born Geronimo Peña, Jeremy has proven no moment is too big for him to celebrate with this gesture as a way to connect to his mother and the love that he has for her.
Peña, who just took home the MVP in the American League Championship Series, took over the Astros shortstop job after fan-favorite Carlos Correa left in free agency. Taking over for a playoff hero and a beloved player can be tough for any veteran, much less a rookie like Peña. But his million-watt smile and sweetheart gestures have made it easy to endear him to the Houston fanbase.
After winning the ALCS MVP and sending the Astros to the World Series, Peña is certainly living his dream already during his rookie year.
“It’s everything I’ve dreamed of,” Peña said according to the LA Times. “The environment, the fans, the crowd, the preparation that goes into every game. It’s fun.”
The Houston Astros take on the Philadelphia Phillies as the heavy favorites in the 2022 World Series. Game 1 is on Friday, October 28th at 8 p.m. EST.