Hugs and home runs: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. steals the show at his first MLB All-Star Game – Toronto Star

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was the life of the party.

Surrounded by the biggest stars in baseball, the 22-year-old Blue Jay shone the brightest in his first MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday night, becoming the youngest player ever to take home MVP honours.

Batting second for the American League behind two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani, Guerrero made the most of his three plate appearances, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs.

Jays fans are familiar with the first baseman’s ability to draw the spotlight on any given moment, whether it be with his athletic ability or infectious personality.

He did just that in his all-star debut. Here’s what you need to know:

Glove love

In a tribute to his Hall of Fame father, Guerrero brought a custom glove to the all-star game. It was wrapped in the iconic photo of him and Guerrero Sr. tipping their caps in matching Montreal Expos jerseys.

Cue the nostalgia.

Baseball hugs

Guerrero’s first swing of the game nearly took off Max Scherzer’s head. He hit a 111.1-mph line drive that narrowly missed the Nationals pitcher.

Guerrero was out on the play after a nice pick by Adam Frazier, and on his way back to the dugout decided to drop by “Mad Max” with an apology hug.

All-star swings

Just like he’s done 28 times for the Blue Jays so far this season, Vlad Jr. belted a no-doubter in his second plate appearance.

His father homered in the All-Star Game 15 years earlier. He became the youngest player to homer in an All-Star Game since 1969.

Stand up to cancer

Everyone in attendance in Denver came together to “Stand Up To Cancer” — an annual tribute where players, fans and broadcasters take a moment to recognize someone in their life impacted by the disease.

Guerrero took the opportunity to recognize Trey Mancini of the Baltimore Orioles, a colon cancer survivor who put on an admirable show placing second in the Home Run Derby on Monday.

Speaking of Monday …

ESPN’s Marly Rivera tweeted that Guerrero asked her if she could speak to Ohtani’s translator and introduce the two superstars before the Home Run Derby.

That’s where this photo was born.

MVP! MVP! MVP!

No moment is too big for Guerrero Jr.

He became the first Blue Jay and the youngest player in baseball history to win MVP at the All-Star game.

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