ANTHONY BOLANTE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock; Albert Dickson/Sporting News via Getty Images
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.is following in his Hall of Famer dad’s footsteps.
“When my family pushes me to do something, usually good things happen,” the 24-year-old athlete toldESPNin an interview following his victory.
“Everybody was telling me to calm down, to slow down, but you just can’t,” Guerrero Jr. continued of his determination. “You just can’t. You just got to continue to hit homers.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.
Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Dominican native then proceeded to beat out competitorsJulio Rodríguez(Seattle Mariners) andRandy Arozarena(Tampa Bay Rays) for a total of72 home runsat Seattle’s T-Mobile Park.
Guerrero Jr. told ESPN that while he doesn’t remember much about his dad, now 48, winning the title in 2007 (as he was just 8 years old at the time), he conveyed his sense of pride for what they have both accomplished.
And while he noted he was “tired,” Guerrero Jr. insisted it was worth it: “I feel happy.”
In 2019, Guerrero Jr. set a record with 91 homers in Cleveland, but ultimately lost out in the finals toPete Alonso, per ESPN.
source: people.com
