NEW YORK (AP) — Just back from the injured list, Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis was ready with a special tribute in his Yankee Stadium debut.
Like many infielders of his generation, Lewis grew up idolizing New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. So to honor the Hall of Famer, the top pick in the 2017 amateur draft planned to imitate Jeter’s batting stance for one pitch his first time up Tuesday night.
“Kind of get in his stance, do his little routine with the arm up,” Lewis said, “and then do a little bat wiggle like him. And then go back to playing the game.”
Minnesota reinstated Lewis from the injured list Tuesday after a 58-game absence caused by a severely strained right quadriceps muscle. He was back in the starting lineup at third base, batting fifth against Yankees rookie Luis Gil.
“I grew up loving Derek Jeter, so for me this is huge. I can’t wait. My first at-bat I’m going to give a little testimony to him,” Lewis said. “Kind of mimic the best I can his stance, and just a reminder and a testament to him for the respect and honor that I have for him. He made me part of who I am today, and the love that I have for the game is partly because of him, Torii Hunter, Matt Kemp and some of these other athletes in the game.”
Lewis, who was raised in California and turns 25 on Wednesday, was thrilled to return with the Twins opening a three-game series in the Bronx. Not only was it the first game of his career against the Yankees, it was the first trip of his life to New York City.
“Getting to see all the sights and the feels of what the big city is like, I’m lovin’ it, man. I’m a big fan of New York City,” he said. “I’m having a blast, man. It’s been a fun time, with my family being here as well. So, I’m very open to the concrete jungle, as they call it.”