From Uber driver to the majors, JC Escarra earns his place on Yankees' Opening Day roster
TAMPA, Fla. – Sure, JC Escarra had doubts of ever getting to the big leagues.
Toiling in independent leagues, driving for Uber and substitute teaching to supplement a meager income, Escarra though about giving up baseball and starting over.
“When I was making $400 every two weeks in indy ball, playing overseas, playing winter ball, having all those odd jobs just to provide for my family, there was a time I was going to hang it all up.
“But I’m glad I didn’t,’’ said Escarra, whose dedication and perseverance prevailed.
On Saturday afternoon, Escarra – who turns 30 next month - was told by manager Aaron Boone that he’d made the Yankees as a lefty-hitting backup catcher and designated hitter.
Escarra’s .333 batting average, .936 OPS in 17 games (3 HR, 48 AB) and solid catching ability had earned him a spot, but the suspense about officially making the club was drawn out a little longer.
“I was expecting some good news,’’ Escarra said of entering Boone’s office, only to hear the manager solemnly suggest that the club’s catching depth was still an obstacle for Escarra.
“My heart sank at first,’’ said Escarra, adding that “if it was good news, I’m sure the other coaches would want to be there to congratulate me.’’
A minute later, Boone unveiled the prank and welcomed Escarra to the majors – a moment recorded and released by the Yankees on social media.
The next viral social media video came when Escarra phoned his mom in Miami with the news.
“I don’t really even cry that much. I knew she was going to get (emotional),’’ said Escarra. “Just a special moment of what I’ve been through, because she went through it with me as well.
“It’s a whole family dream come true.’’
Escarra was added to the Yankees’ 40-man roster in November, after finishing with Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and posting a .930 OPS in 52 games.
One year earlier, Escarra had played in the Atlantic and Mexican Leagues, after the Baltimore Orioles – who’d drafted him in the 15th round in 2017- had given up on him as a catcher.
“I was kind of bummed out they didn’t give me an opportunity to catch,’’ said Escarra. “But the Yankees did and look at us now.’’
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Escarra joins Ben Rice as a lefty-hitting catcher-DH-first base option, though Rice could get the bulk of time at DH and Escarra the majority of backup play behind catcher Austin Wells.
“A lot of chess pieces had to fall for this opportunity to happen,’’ said Escarra. “And I feel I did everything on my part to show I could help the team win.’’
Before his parents, wife, in-laws, grandmother and close friends join him for Thursday’s Opening Day in the Bronx, it’ll be a joyous family reunion Tuesday for Escarra.
That’s when the Yankees play their final 2025 exhibition game at Miami, against the Marlins.
“Hopefully, I at least get an at-bat,’’ said Escarra, whose wife is expecting the couple’s first child, a boy, in June.
“It’s a miracle in itself having my first born,’’ said Escarra, whose faith and “something inside of me’’ propelled him to “keep going, give it another year’’ to reach the majors.
“Now, it’s just play baseball on the biggest stage,’’ said Escarra. “I’m excited for what’s to come.’’
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: JC Escarra goes from Uber driver to spot on NY Yankees
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