The New York Yankees found themselves in a nail-biting situation in Game 5 against the Cleveland Guardians. As the game stretched into extra innings, the tension was palpable, and it felt like anything could happen. But when the Yankees needed a hero, Juan Soto stepped up in a big way. With two outs in the tenth inning, Soto crushed a three-run homer that sent the Yankees into the World Series with a 5-2 win. It was a signature moment for Soto, who’s no stranger to postseason heroics. After all, he did something similar for the Washington Nationals, and now he’s back at it, this time in pinstripes!

The Yankees made a big investment to land the 25-year-old slugger, and he’s proven every penny was worth it. In just his first year with the team, Soto has already helped deliver the Yankees to the biggest stage in baseball. While Guardians fans were left stunned, Yankee Stadium erupted in cheers, knowing they had witnessed something special. Extra innings can be daunting, but Juan Soto Sr. wasn’t worried—he had full faith in his son’s ability to deliver in the clutch. The post-game celebration was a heartwarming scene as father and son soaked in the moment together, knowing that Soto’s magic had paved the way to the World Series.

Juan Soto Sr. knew his son would deliver the Yankees’ World Series dream

There was a chill in the night, and mostly the New York Yankee players and fans must have felt it. The Yankees were in a great position, just one win away from making it to the World Series; never in 15 years have they been so close—they needed that win. Juan Soto was confident and had said before, “I’ve said it since spring training. Give me every hard moment. Give me every tough [at-bat]. I’m going to step up to the plate and try to do my best.” And so while watching the game afar, Juan Soto’s father knew that Soto would perform, without a doubt.

Juan Soto Sr., seated in the stands, saw Soto shuffle after taking the first pitch for the ball. Soto Sr said confidently in Spanish that he knew something big was about to happen. In his words, “That’s what he does. He performs in the clutch.” According to senior Soto, his son just thrives under pressure. And he knows his son better for sure. 

Sr. Soto watched as his son sent a three-run homer over the center field. There was a silence in Cleveland’s field. And then cinematically, the New York Yankee fans erupted to cheers as that swing sealed their win 5-2 and sent them to the World Series. Later the Soto family reunited and embraced each other. The cameras caught every bit of their heartfelt exchanges. A glimpse into the emotional, personal side that we hardly see in this cutting-edge sport.

Juan Soto’s pillars throughout his baseball career 

Juan Soto’s parents have always been the ones to support him through his career. It was Juan Soto Sr. who ignited the love of baseball in his son’s heart. He was a local league catcher in the Dominican Republic and would often throw bottle caps to Juan Soto to swat. And that’s what started it all. Belkis, his mother on the other hand was always ‘present’ and that’s been a blessing for Soto. There are so many instances where the loudest cheers for Soto were by his parents. 

Soto’s parents were not just present to cheer their son, for his attempt at the Second World Series ring. They were also there at Soto’s first, with the Washington Nationals in 2019. That time, Soto had talked about how lovely it was to have family come and support him. “It was really special having my family out there. For me, every time I go to the plate or go to the field, and you know family is out there, I want to give him my 100 percent every time I go out there and try to make it fun,” Juan Soto had said. We are sure this is what he feels now and will feel later too. 

Soto Sr’s one piece of advice to his son was to always give it to you all and always play with your heart. And looking at Soto, that’s really what he does—gives it his all. And Soto isn’t okay with just making it to the World Series; he wants to win it all. Do you think it’s the Yankees for the championship win this year or is it the New York Mets or LA Dodgers? Let us know in the comments.