The New York Yankees’ second baseman Robinson Canó (born Robinson José Canó Mercedes) was born in the Dominican Republic but he became a true Yankee this week as an official naturalized citizen.

Canó, 30, who was born in San Pedro de Macoris, is the son of Jose Canó who pitched for the Houston Astros in the 1980s. He was destined to become a professional baseball player, as his father even named him after the Jackie Robinson.

On Tuesday, Canó took to Twitter and shared his excitement:

Canó made his Major League Baseball debut in 2005 with the Yankees and has remained with the team since. In was called up after being named the NY Yankees’ Minor League Player of Year in 2004.

He is currently in the running for the American League’s Most Valuable Player Award. The winner is expected to be announced Thursday.