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Padres News: Manny Machado Connects with Biggest Fan Thanks to Viral Clip

He is a role model to everyone.
Noel Sanchez|
Padres News: Manny Machado Connects with Biggest Fan Thanks to Viral Clip
Padres News: Manny Machado Connects with Biggest Fan Thanks to Viral Clip

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San Diego Padres

When Manny Machado was in the earliest of stages this past Spring Training of his new contract negotiations, everybody was hoping that the Padres' front office would keep one important thing in mind.

Machado's elite defense at third base, ability to slug like few other, and just overall knowledge for the game of baseball are all very clear every time he steps on the field but the reasons why so many fans of the Friars believed he was worth the $350 million he was seeking came down to one thing. He became the heart and soul of a 2022 Padres team that was given no chance to compete that season and still made the NLDS. 

He continued to illustrate his influence on communities outside of just San Diego as he chose to represent the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. His fanbase only grew with this decision and a particular 6-year-old by the name of Christian Kandell went viral due to a video his father recorded when Kandell attended one of the tournament games and expressed just how much it meant to him to see his hero.

Instantly, fans were beyond amazed at how happy this young boy was to see Machado live as he was decked out in gear. He was in tears due to how happy he was.

The video ended up finding its way to Machado himself and he would then go out of his way to follow Kandell's dad on Instagram and set up a date where he could bringing him and his son to a Padres game and meet them.

The full story was told on 'Good Morning America' where it was revealed that Kandell is a huge baseball fan and models everything he does after the 30-year-old superstar.

It is these types of moments that allows someone like Machado to transcend from just a baseball star to a sports icon.

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Noel Sanchez
NOEL SANCHEZ

Noel is currently in his third year at California Polytechnic University of Pomona and is pursuing a B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in Multi-Media Journalism. He has always had a deep passion for sports and writing.

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