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Andrew Velazquez Lived Every Bronx Kid’s ‘Dream’ This Week

New York Yankees shortstop Andrew Velazquez lived out his childhood dream while playing hero for his hometown team against the rival Red Sox this week

New York Yankees' Andrew Velazquez reacts after hitting an RBI single during the second inning of the team's baseball game against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Andrew Velazquez grew up in the Bronx watching Derek Jeter play shortstop while deliver clutch hits against the rival Red Sox at Yankee Stadium.

This week, he lived out the dream he’s had since those days. Not only did Velazquez get to play shortstop at Yankee Stadium. But he got the chance to be a hero for a Yankees team that has catapulted up the standings with a sudden rise.

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The 27-year-old Andrew Velazquez didn’t let his chance slip away when he got called up.

In the last game of a series sweep against the Red Sox, Velazquez delivered a pair of RBI singles, along with making a ridiculous game-ending play at short with Boston knocking on the door in the ninth.

After the game, Andrew Velazquez spoke on his dream coming true this week.

“In that locker room, with those guys, I’ve dreamt of doing what I just did,” Velazquez said via The New York Post, recounting his words. “In real life, it was way better.”

Manager Aaron Boone spoke on how likable and valuable a guy like Andrew Velazquez is to the Yankees.

“He endeared himself to our room in spring training. I think everyone enjoyed getting to know him,” Aaron Boone said. “He can really play short, but he has the defensive versatility to move around. You see the speed that he has, and he can swing the bat a little bit. He’s gotten some big hits for us here the last couple of days and played really well in helping us win games.”

When Andrew Velazquez was called up to play in the Bronx this week, he figured he’d just stay at his parents house. After all, that’s where he grew up dreaming to be a New York Yankee.

“Way closer than staying in Manhattan,” Velazquez said. “Cheaper, too.”


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