J.C. Escarra, a 30-year-old catcher for the New York Yankees, has succeeded in making it to the major league 26-man roster, which he had long dreamed of, touching the hearts of fans.
Major League Baseball's official media, MLB.com, reported on the 24th (Korean time) that 'J.C. Escarra, who has long waited for a big league call-up, is gaining word of mouth as a video of him hearing the news from manager Aaron Boone has surpassed 1 million views.'
Escarra is a catcher who was drafted in the 15th round (458th overall) of the 2017 rookie draft and signed with the Baltimore Orioles. In 467 minor league games, Escarra recorded a batting average of .249 (394 hits from 1,583 at-bats), with 42 home runs, 231 RBIs, 227 runs, 12 stolen bases, and an OPS of .746, but he never made it to the major leagues.
After spending 7 years continuing his professional career and playing in independent leagues while working as an Uber driver to cover his living expenses, Escarra left a strong impression in this year's exhibition games, recording a batting average of .333 (16 hits from 48 at-bats), with 3 home runs, 8 RBIs, 7 runs, and an OPS of .936, earning a chance in the major leagues as a backup catcher behind Austin Wells.
Escarra said, 'I was grateful just to be here (at major league spring training) at first. And now my dream has come true. Now, only the easy part is left. I can play baseball on the biggest stage. I'm looking forward to what will happen next.'
Manager Boone played a joke on Escarra when informing him of the big league call-up, initially making it sound like he was going to tell him about being sent down to the minor leagues. Escarra, listening to Boone with a desperate expression, could only smile after the manager said congratulations. Escarra noted, 'I expected good news, but when I entered the room, it was just the manager. I thought, 'If it were good news, there would be other coaches here for congratulations.' At first, my heart sank, but soon the manager said, 'Oh, I'm just kidding. You are going to New York.' and I laughed.
MLB.com explained, 'Escarra, once a first baseman, nearly gave up baseball after being released by the Orioles, but a cinematic journey awaited him. He returned as a catcher and continued his challenge toward the major leagues. He played in independent leagues, walking a difficult path, and earned money giving baseball lessons while driving a Lyft.'
Escarra reflected on difficult moments, saying, 'I earned $400 a week in the independent league. I did various jobs to support my family while playing baseball overseas and in winter leagues. There were moments when I considered giving everything up. I believed it was time to move on to the next step. But I'm glad I didn't.'
Upon hearing the news of his big league call-up, Escarra immediately called his mother and grandmother to share the good news. The family erupted in cheers and then tears upon hearing the news. Escarra also couldn't hold back his tears. He said, 'I am going to New York,' and his mother sobbed, 'I can't believe it.' Escarra said, 'We did it,' sharing the joy of achieving their dream with his family.
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