Just over a day ago, little Derek Rodriguez, who was nine years old at the time, was a mere fan watching the New York Yankees take on the Toronto Blue Jays, his hometown team.

He has now achieved celebrity status in two nations.

Aaron Judge blasted a home run in Tuesday night’s game, and Rodriguez’s heartfelt expression of gratitude to a Blue Jays fan who gave him the ball went viral.

“That’s a moment that’s been seen around the world now,” Judge remarked about the heartfelt conversation. It says a lot about the Blue Jays fan base in this area. It’s a neat little link that they have.

Rodriguez and Jays fan Mike Lanzillotta had an opportunity to see Judge in person in the Yankees dugout before Wednesday’s third and final game in Toronto.

As a result, there were grins, hugs, and more tears.

Rodriguez, who had earlier shown off the home run ball at school, wore his “Judge 99” shirt again and brought it along.

His instructor and pals were overjoyed, he added, and they were quick to offer their congratulations. People were also given the opportunity to touch the ball during my teacher’s presentation, when she demonstrated the event. Incredible, I tell you.

The young ballplayer was called Derek after the legendary Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, and Judge was more than glad to sign the ball for him.

According to Yankees spokesperson Jason Zillo, the Rodriguez family and Lanzillotta have been extended an invitation to attend a Yankees game later this season in New York from the seats in right field known as The Judge’s Chambers. Each family is expected to bring a party of nine individuals.

The party didn’t exclude Lanzillotta either. In recognition of his role in the historic event, the Blue Jays presented him with a George Springer jersey.