The Yankees are no stranger to having a lot of star power, at their Spring Training facility in Florida. Though, normally that star power is supplied by the likes of Billy Crystal. This time around, the star power comes in the form of an Super Bowl champion quarterback.
The Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson, made his first Spring Training appearance for the Bronx Bombers on Monday, fulfilling what he says is not a stunt, but a childhood dream.
Wilson showed he’s taking his opportunity with the Yankees very seriously, by belting several homers during batting practice:
Wilson described his emotions as he donned his Yankees gear alongside MLB stars like Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge. According to the Sporting News, “It’s definitely one of the coolest things I’ve ever done,” Wilson said.
“Ever since I was a young kid I always dreamed to be a Yankee. I always watched them. My favorite player was Derek Jeter growing up, watching him, his professionalism and how he played:”
Wilson, who recently had his baseball rights traded to the Yankees from the Texas Rangers, will be with the Yanks for the next four days.
Wilson’s journey to Steinbrenner Field in Tampa has a special, personal significance. The Seahawks QB said he told his late father — a Yankee fan himself who passed away in 2010 — that he would one day wear pinstripes.
As Wilson explains, “I always told my dad I’d be a New York Yankee, and now I’m here.”
Follow Dylan Gwinn on Twitter @themightygwinn
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