Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto met former Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez at a charity game in the Dominican Republic.
Even the biggest names in baseball can be humbled by the presence of their heroes.
At least, that’s what happened to Juan Soto when he saw Pedro Martinez at a charity game in the Dominican Republic this weekend.
When the 23-year-old Soto saw the 50-year-old Martinez at the game, he kneeled before the legendary Dominican pitcher and asked him to autograph his jersey. Martinez smiled as he added his name to Soto’s jersey, then shook his hand and hugged the young Nationals phenom.
Juan Soto gets autograph from Pedro Martinez at Dominican charity game
Both Soto and Martinez were attending Legends Day, a charity even that benefitted the David Ortiz Children’s Fund. The event raised over $26K to benefit children in the Dominican Republic and in New England who need critical cardiac care.
Other Dominican baseball legends were present at the event, including Juan Marichal and Vladimir Guerrero. Fellow MVP finalist Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was present alongside Soto, as well as fellow contemporary MLB players like Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz and Jose Ramirez.
In an event that brought generations of Dominican baseball together, Martinez had a prediction for the contract Soto will command when he becomes a free agent.
Martinez has long been an avid fan of Soto’s game, calling him a “phenom” who has made “amazing adjustments” to his game. Soto’s had renowned success at a young age, which includes two Silver Sluggers, two All-MLB First Team spots, a World Series championship and an NL Batting Champion award earned him the nickname “Childish Bambino.”
While Soto was in awe of meeting the legend that paved the way for his career, the respect went both ways as Martinez watches a new generation of Dominican players dominate the league.