ARLINGTON -- For a second, Mauricio Dubón could only laugh when Derek Jeter asked the Astros' utility man how he got into baseball.

That’s because Jeter is the reason Dubón, the second Honduran-born player in the Majors after Gerald Young, grew to love the sport. He told Jeter exactly that in a heartwarming moment on the FOX pregame show ahead of Game 5 of the American League Championship Series at Globe Life Field.

“You’re the reason I love this game,” Dubón said. “A lot of people in Honduras are probably watching. A lot of people in Honduras are probably freaking out right now because every little kid in Honduras, growing up, always watched the Red Sox and Yankees. Watched all you three guys battle. Like I said before we went on air, 8-year-old me would be freaking out right now. It’s pretty crazy being here.

“You’re one of the reasons I love this game. I remember having a poster of you growing up. Every level, I wore No. 2 until I got to the big leagues.”

Dubón joined the pregame show with Jeter, as well as Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz. Dubón, who rose through the Minors playing shortstop but earned Gold Glove nominations at second base and as a utility player, carried over a strong stretch at the plate in the final two months of the season into the playoffs, entering Friday afternoon’s game 8-for-17.

Astros manager Dusty Baker rewarded Dubón with more playing time and the No. 2 spot in the lineup. The Houston fan favorite hopped on the broadcast to discuss his hot start and share a special moment.

Dubón takes pride in his home country and isn’t shy about it. Earlier this season, Dubón sought out Adam Wainwright to thank the Cardinals' starter for his partnership with a nonprofit that traveled to Honduras and helped communities there gain access to clean water.

So, it’s not a surprise that Dubón made sure to shout out the fans back home in Honduras when he was asked about it by Jeter. He was even able to get a photo with his childhood baseball idol with some help from Big Papi.