"Does he know that he raised a DAWG?" - Fans can't get enough of Yankees star Alex Verdugo's emotional Father's Day message to dad

On Father's Day, the New York Yankees left fielder Alex Verdugo shared an image with a message on Instagram to wish his father, Joe Verdugo. Fans loved the message from Verdugo and shared their reactions.

“Happy Father’s Day to the man who taught me strength, loyalty, and dedication. Thank you for being my Father. Love you,” Verdugo wrote.

Fans gathered in the comment section to join the left fielder and appreciated Verdugo’s emotional gesture to his dad.

“Does he know he raised a DAWG?” a fan commented.

“Papa dugiedawg,” a fan said.

Image via @dugie24 / Instagram

Ashley Rodon, the Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodon’s wife, called Verdugo "dawg" when she was impressed by his performance on Friday.

Verdugo also joined his followers in a few comments. A fan said:

“Papa looking good in a Yankee hat @dugie24 [Alex Verdugo’s Instagram handle]”

Verdugo gave a lighthearted reply to the fan.

“He doesn’t play,” Vergudo replied.

Image via @dugie24 / Instagram

Even the rival team’s fans can’t stop admiring him and wish their former player luck for future games, with an interesting exception.

“I’m a [Red] Sox fan and I still root for you. Just not when you’re playing [against] us! Good Luck!” a fan commented.

Image via @dugie24 / Instagram

Verdugo has 41 RBIs, 35 runs and nine home runs this season with the Yankees. He has a slash line of .260/.313/.426 and a .739 OPS in 71 games and has been a regular in the Yankees’ outfield department.

Alex Verdugo’s surprise on his mom’s birthday

On June 9, Alex Verdugo surprised his mom, Shelly Verdugo, on her birthday. During the finale between the Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Verdugo wished his mom with a heartfelt birthday note at Yankee Stadium.

“Happy Birthday Mom! Love, Alex Verdugo.”

After the game, they snapped a mother-son photo to remember the special day.

In January, Verdugo signed a one-year $8.7 million contract with the Yankees, avoiding arbitration after being traded from Boston. He will become a free agent if the club doesn't offer him an extension by the end of the season.

There's still enough time before that decision, and if Verdugo can lead the Yankees to a successful season, he might receive a long-term offer from the Yankees front office.