Jazz Chisholm Jr., an infielder for the New York Yankees, formed a close friendship with Little Leaguer Russell McGee after meeting on a shuttle bus at Williamsport Regional Airport in Pennsylvania one year ago. The encounter took place as both were heading to the Little League Classic.
“You’re my favorite player,” McGee, then 11 years old and a member of the Mountain Region club from Henderson, Nev., told Chisholm during their first conversation. Chisholm described feeling an immediate connection, saying he felt like he had just met a little brother.
Chisholm kept his promise to stay in touch with McGee. Over the following months, he sent boxes of baseball gear to McGee, including gloves, bats, sliding mitts, and cleats. The two also attended the Las Vegas Grand Prix together after the World Series and spent time with McGee’s family.
McGee recalled expecting only a quick photo with Chisholm but ended up spending the entire evening together. “That was pretty cool,” McGee said. “I play [NBA] 2K a lot with him. I coached with him once at a baseball event where my brother played in it; we didn’t win, but it was still a great experience, being with top high school players across the country.”
During last year’s Little League Classic, Chisholm was recovering from an elbow injury and sat behind home plate with McGee and his teammates. He encouraged Anthony Volpe to acknowledge fans from shortstop during a roll call from the stands.
“When I was in Little League, having a big leaguer talking to me and hanging out with my friends would’ve been sick,” Chisholm said. “I just enjoyed being with a kid that reminded me of myself.”
Chisholm reflected on how former Major Leaguers CC Sabathia, Gary Sheffield, Dee Gordon, and Tom Gordon mentored him when he was younger. He now sees his relationship with McGee as an opportunity to support future players.
“I like to give back to the future, especially to someone with high hopes,” Chisholm said. “He’s a great kid. Being around him makes me feel like a better person and a better player. It makes me feel like I can help the future in some way.”
