MESA, Ariz. — While Vidal Bruján watched his home run ball soar to left field, the infielder did a little hop as he stepped out of the batter’s box.

It was an homage to Sammy Sosa — a hero from his hometown of San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic and the man who offered some advice to him earlier in the game.

“That was done because of the tips that he gave me,” Bruján said after exiting the Cubs’ 4-2 win over the Diamondbacks in Cactus League play. “He also said a few words to me that I understood needed a sense of appreciation from me.”

[WATCH: Exclusive one-on-one interview with Sammy Sosa]

Sosa arrived at Sloan Park on Tuesday, his first time back with the Cubs in spring training in 21 years. He’ll be around the team for the next few days as an alumni instructor and spent part of Tuesday in the Cubs dugout.

One of the players he impacted immediately was Bruján. The infielder knows that the knowledge and experience of someone like Sosa is invaluable. He’s out of minor league options and is fighting to make the Opening Day roster as a bench option and took his advice to heart when he laced a 5th-inning solo home run to tie the game.

“Honestly, that the word from a great person and a great talent like Sammy Sosa helps you so much,” Bruján said. “It programs you to bring out the good ballplayer that’s inside of you. I understand that the words he gave me were key for that at-bat.”

Bruján grew up following Sosa, so seeing him in the dugout was a big deal. The 26-year-old made sure to pick his brain and hopes to continue to do so while he’s in camp.

“To have him close here, I’m going to take advantage,” Bruján said. “I’m going to ask him questions — how did you do this; how did you do that.”

Sosa offered just that.

“He was giving me some hitting tips and how to drop, how I have to charge towards a pitch,” Bruján said. “Honestly it gave me results, which is what’s important.”

The former slugger spent his time talking to many hitters and offering wisdom throughout the game.

“Honestly, that’s going to help so many ballplayers — the Latino players, just as much as the Americans … the whole team,” Bruján said. “It’s a good option to have close. I understand that it’s a good sign and good example to have because of the talent that he had. We have a lot of respect for him, which is important.”