It sounded as if the whole island were shaking with cathartic joy.

Puerto Rico’s own Francisco Lindor launched a two-run home run to right field in the fifth inning of the Indians’ series opener against the Twins in San Juan Tuesday night, sending thousands of fans, just four months removed from a devastating hurricane, into an uproar. Lindor smacked his chest and pointed to the crowd, riding the deafening cheers all the way into a curtain call from the dugout.

It was a heartwarming moment for the people of Puerto Rico, many of whom still are recovering from Hurricane Maria which struck in December and ravaged the island, causing severe flooding, property damage and power outages.

Lindor, a rising star with the Indians, spent the day before the game visiting his old grammar school in Gurabo, Escuela Villa Marina, to host a baseball clinic for students and reconnect with teachers. The shortstop left them with an inspiring message of Puerto Rican pride, which resonated more powerfully in the wake of the storm, which cost 18 of the students their homes.

“I want people to understand that this is a real little island, but there’s a lot of people (here) with big dreams,” Lindor said on Monday, according to Cleveland.com. “There are a lot of people that want to accomplish big things in life. And, nobody here wants things given. We don’t want it to be given.

“We just want the respect and go out there and earn it. That’s what I do. That’s what every player from Puerto Rico or other countries do when they reach the big leagues. They earn it.”

Lindor didn’t need to convince the home crowd of his worth Tuesday night, but his bat did anyway, as the Indians went on to win 6-1.