The Toronto Blue Jays’ road trip to Anaheim presents an excellent opportunity for Vladimir Guerrero to appear in front of his former team, but he declined for a good reason.
Guerrero’s son Vladimir Guerrero Jr made his MLB debut on Friday against the Oakland A’s. He had a hit in all three games and now is embarking on his first road trip as the Blue Jays visit the Angels for a three-game series. Vlad Sr. said in a statement shared by Angels broadcaster Jose Mota that he did not make the trip to Anaheim because he does not want to overshadow his son.
From @VladGuerrero27 as to why he will not be in Anaheim for the @BlueJays series against the @Angels – @FoxSportsWest @MLBNetwork @Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/F5gOKOSLQN
— José Mota (@JoseMota05) May 1, 2019
The elder Guerrero played with the Angels from 2004-2009. He made four straight All-Star teams, won AL MVP in his first year, and batted .319 with a .927 OPS in his Angels career. Showing just how strong his ties are to the Angels, he became the first player in history inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame with an Angels hat on his plaque.
Turning down the chance to return to Anaheim under these conditions where he might possibly overshadow his son is a selfless, thoughtful act.
