Paul O'Neill
Paul O’Neill, pictured as a New York Yankee right fielder in 2001, endorsed Donald Trump's presidential bid at Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida, Tuesday. Getty Images

Former New York Yankee right fielder Paul O’Neill endorsed Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump Tuesday night at Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida. After the New York businessman won the Mississippi and Michigan primaries, he gave a shout-out to O’Neill, who was apparently in the audience when Trump gave his victory speech.

Trump said O’Neill’s endorsement should help in Ohio, the retired Yankee's home state, which votes next week. When Trump spotted him in the audience, he asked the baseball star to stand up. “Hey, Paul, you come from Ohio?” Trump asked. O’Neill nodded his head and then, when Trump asked if he endorsed him, O’Neill smiled and seemingly mouthed, “I’m here.” Trump gushed, "I love you! Thank you!"

Syndicated columnist Ann Coulter, who is known for her controversial statements, praised O’Neill. “Yankee Paul O'Neill endorses Trump!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If I weren't already a Trump supporter, I would be now,” she wrote Tuesday night.

Trump remains the front-runner for the Republicans, beating Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Ohio Gov. John Kasich in most contests.

O’Neill, 53, who is not active on Twitter, has not issued an official endorsement since Trump turned the cameras around on him during his victory speech Tuesday.

While some Twitter users took the opportunity to make jokes about O’Neill supporting Trump, others said they were disappointed. Some of their reactions have been posted below:

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