When he was with the Cubs – well, and long before it, I’m quite sure – Yu Darvish was a good dude. He was quite frequently a very good pitcher, too, but it was never hard to see that he was also kind and fun and personable and willing to extend himself to interact with fans. There’s a reason he remains beloved among Cubs fans.
He will be beloved among Padres fans, too. I’m sure of that. A story that will brighten your day, with Yu Darvish going the extra mile or two or two thousand:
Landon & his dad made the 3.5 hour trip from Tennessee, where he lives. But the game was postponed due to rain, which would bum any kid out. However, one player stood outside to sign autographs in the rain: Yu Darvish. Landon was thrilled when he got a ball signed. pic.twitter.com/HtPHNSxz1i
— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) September 8, 2021
Darvish wrote back the next day: pic.twitter.com/gbDZdbKhyM
— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) September 8, 2021
Landon came to Petco Park earlier this week, courtesy of Darvish, and saw his Padres play. He got to chat in the dugout with Darvish before the game. Yu gave him signed cleats, a glove and an autographed Tatis jersey. Landon said it was the best day of his life. pic.twitter.com/G1bgNQFWll
— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) September 8, 2021
His family hopes to host Darvish for a homecooked meal if he ever comes through Tennessee. They are still in shock this trip even happened, and that a chance encounter led to it. Landon will likely never forget this moment. The end.
— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) September 8, 2021