Jazz Chisholm Jr. has become an increasingly beloved figure among MLB fans and players alike.
The Yankees star marches to the beat of his own drum. He opts for a Euro when he finishes off his home run trots and typically takes the field with diamonds draped around his neck.
Chisholm brings style and substance to the ballpark. And that's clearly left a mark on his fans, including one supporter taking part in the 2024 Little League World Series.
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Russell McGee stars for Paseo Verde Little League, the Mountain Region's representative at this year's tournament. The Adam Johnson-coached unit finds itself on the cusp of an appearance in the LLWS semifinals. McGee has played a major role, showcasing his skills at second base, shortstop and pitcher when needed.
Chisholm is McGee's favorite player. He also recently made an appearance at Williamsport, Pennsylvania, joining the Yankees for their Little League Classic matchup against the Tigers on Sunday night.
The New York star might have not been able to take part in the festivities at large — Chisholm is still sidelined with a UCL injury. He did, however, get the chance to meet his longtime admirer. And after a fruitful interaction, it seems like it's only the first of many link-ups between the 26-year old and his 11-year old counterpart.
Here's what you need to know about Chisholm and McGee's budding friendship with one another.
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Jazz Chisholm-Russell McGee connection, explained
Neither Chisholm nor McGee knew each other personally prior to this year's Little League World Series.
The connection between the pair started with McGee's support for the former Marlins supernova. It was common knowledge in the Paseo Verde locker room that McGee was an avid watcher of Chisholm, modeling his game after him — McGee, too, wears No. 2 (Chisholm's old number with the Marlins) and sports a glint chain while on the field.
New York's clash with Detroit set up the perfect opportunity for mentor to meet mentee. After being directed towards McGee by one of his Paseo Verde teammates, Chisholm struck up a conversation with his junior.
Not only did the two chop it up at Williamsport Regional Airport, the site of their first interaction, but they also sat next to each other on the bus, continuing to conjure up tales over the course of the 20-minute drive.
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The interaction was of great importance to McGee, who lit up at the sight of his idol. It also meant a lot to Chisholm, a young player in his own right who cites CC Sabathia, J.P. Crawford and Dominic Smith as pivotal figures in his professional career.
Chisholm wanted to push things forward for the next generation. So he did just that, vowing to take care of McGee as he attempts to climb up the baseball ladder.
“I’m going to be your big brother from here on," Chisholm said to McGee, per The Athletic . "… I’ve got you; just give me a call.”
“He’s just a bright-eyed kid,” Chisholm added. “He reminded me so much of myself when I was younger when I first got into professional baseball.
“Me and him were talking and I was like, ‘Man, I remember when JP, Dom and CC really made me their little brother and made sure I was good. Any time I called them, they would answer, even with CC just retiring around that time and being a Yankee great. Even with Dom Smith and JP, just having guys like that in your corner and as friends, it helps a lot.”
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Chisholm gave McGee his number and proceeded to follow him on all his social media accounts. The youngster texted him once he arrived at Bowman Field for Sunday night's contest. The duo then linked up in the bleachers, kicking it with one another for most of the game.
Chisholm even led a Yankees Roll Call from the stands, prompting his teammate, Anthony Volpe, to mimic Chisholm's signature step-back jumper celebration.
“I had a lot of fun, especially when I sat with Russell,” Chisholm said. “I sat with him for like three or four innings. It was just a lot of fun getting to react like a kid. ... It was just reminding me of days of when I was in Little League and just meeting the guys that I’ve met in my life with the way they’ve taken care of me and seeing Russell out there. It just made me feel that way again.”
Chisholm and McGee are set to link up with one another in November, when he hosts his Baseball Generations camp in Los Angeles. Until then, Chisholm is planning on sending all sorts of gear and memorabilia to his "little brother."
Who knows? Maybe that equipment will come in handy as McGee and his teammates attempt to take home the first LLWS title in Nevada state history.
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