TAMPA, FLA. (AP) - Mariano Rivera and the New York Yankees welcomed Vice President Joe Biden to spring training. The Toronto Blue Jays? They were stuck on the bus.
Biden spent about 30 minutes on the third-base side of George Steinbrenner Field while the Yankees held an early practice before Wednesday night’s game against Toronto. He was with Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., and both wore Yankees hats.
“I didn’t expect it … it’s cool,” camp instructor David Wells said. “How many times can you say that you talked to the vice president? He’s very nice. Funny. Told stories. I’m not big into politics, but that was pretty cool.”
The Blue Jays, however, didn’t get to enjoy the visit. Their arrival was delayed about 10 minutes when authorities wouldn’t permit the team bus into the stadium complex. The Blue Jays made it inside around the time that Biden was leaving the ballpark.
Biden talked with Yankees manager Joe Girardi, team officials and a number of players.
At one point, Biden put his arm around Rivera while Girardi and reliever Joba Chamberlain looked on.
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