Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez called a 12-year-old girl Saturday and invited the young hero and her family to a game this weekend.
Less than an hour later, Rodriguez homered as the Yankees beat the Pirates 4-2 in a spring game.
Last June, Julianne Ramirez of Tampa noticed 3-year-old family friend Bella Villa had stopped swimming and was sinking underwater at a backyard pool party. Ramirez, having learned CPR as a third grader in the Girl Scouts, rescued Villa from the pool and began chest compressions.
"I have two daughters and I can just really appreciate what an amazing thing she did. She's a true hero," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez surprised Ramirez with a phone call about 25 minutes before the Yankees played the Pirates. He extended the invitation for Sunday's game against Minnesota in Fort Myers.
"I have a little surprise for you," Rodriguez told Ramirez from an office phone near the clubhouse. "We would like to invite you to a game tomorrow as our special guest. Would you be interested in coming down and watching us?"
Ramirez quickly said "yes" and added "thank you."
A-Rod Invites 12-Year-Old To Game