Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Downplays Post-Home Run Celebration That Miffed Yankees Fans

Apr 1, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) smiles
Apr 1, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) smiles / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

For Vladimir Guerrero Jr., his post-home run celebration—a shushing motion to the crowd at Yankee Stadium during the Toronto Blue Jays' 9-8 loss Saturday—was nothing new.

Guerrero, who belted a 362-foot home run in the seventh inning, was showered with loud boos from Yankees fans, who seemingly took exception to the Blue Jays star's celebration with his team down six runs at the time.

After the game, Guerrero downplayed the shushing gesture, explaining that it's a part of his celebration after every home run, according to The Associated Press.

"It’s something that I do everywhere regardless the situation," Guerrero said.

The Blue Jays star, who celebrates each home run with a stop-and-hop near third base, then a shushing motion while rounding third, said this became a part of his routine during the 2021 season.

Guerrero may always shush the crowd, but he also might enjoy the gesture a bit more at Yankee Stadium, where the Montreal native has belted 13 career home runs—his highest total at any opposing team's ballpark.

In November of 2022, Guerrero told a Dominican radio host that he "likes to play in New York" and "likes to kill the Yankees" while emphasizing that he would never play for the club.

Judging by the reception Guerrero received on Saturday night, there's no love lost from Yankees fans either.


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Tim Capurso
TIM CAPURSO

Tim Capurso is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. Prior to joining SI in November 2023, he wrote for RotoBaller and ClutchPoints, where he was the lead editor for MLB, college football and NFL coverage. A lifelong Yankees and Giants fan, Capurso grew up just outside New York City and now lives near Philadelphia. When he's not writing, he enjoys reading, exercising and spending time with his family, including his three-legged cat Willow, who, unfortunately, is an Eagles fan.