Meet Francisco Lindor. He’s a 22-year-old shortstop for the Cleveland Indians.
The Puerto Rican rookie has been a standout for the Indians all year. Not just for his play — he batted .301 with 15 homeruns and 78 RBIs in the regular season — but for his youthful exuberance on and off the field.
That exuberance was on full display during game one of the World Series, where Lindor showed why he’s become a fan favorite in Cleveland. Before game one even started, Lindor had a smile on his face.
Gotta luv how Lindor always has a smile on his face! pic.twitter.com/WiChY07usw
— Kevin Howard (@Kho4) October 26, 2016
And in the very first inning, Lindor won over America — except Cubs fans — by winning everyone free tacos.
Frankie makes things happen.
Like FREE #DoritosLocosTacos from @tacobell on November 2 from 2-6pm! https://t.co/Gzme0ZyWt6 pic.twitter.com/Je1mQjvcCh
— MLB (@MLB) October 26, 2016
How’d he do it? Taco Bell was running a promotion with Major League Baseball: if anyone stole a base during the World Series, Taco Bell would give away a free tacos for a few hours.
Later in the game, Lindor and fellow Boricua Javi Baez had a little fun at second base.
Cleveland blanks Chicago 6-0 in game one of the World Series, don't mess with Francisco Lindor's hair anymore https://t.co/CNT0zOLzaj
— The Cauldron (ICYMI) (@CauldronICYMI) October 26, 2016
After Lindor hit a double in the seventh inning, he had a chance to meet up with Javi Baez, an old friend who he used to play against in high school.
Lindor’s energy is infectious, especially in a game that is sometimes criticized for being too serious.
CREDIT: Credit: MLB
David Wallace, Lindor’s manager in the minor leagues, says he’s always got a smile on his face. “What you see from him on the field is real. That’s all Frankie,” said Wallace to the Cleveland News-Herald.
This moment, captured when the Indians were adding to their lead, sums up how much Lindor has playing the game.
Francisco Lindor is all of us. pic.twitter.com/2dYvP5cUkx
— Dan Labbe (@dan_labbe) October 26, 2016
And when game ond was over, Lindor remained humble.
Go to the 30-second mark and just try not to get goosebumps as @Lindor12BC describes to @DreKnott the best part of being in the #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/X0e2RmsVKd
— SportsTime Ohio (@SportsTimeOhio) October 26, 2016
Lindor and the Indians have their work cut out for them. The World Series is tied 1-1 and the Cubs have three games in a row at home.
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