Yankee fans, we witnessed a special moment on Sunday, April 27 — and I don’t just mean sweeping a doubleheader! J.C. Escarra, the Yankees’ feel-good story of the year, finally hit his first Major League home run — and it couldn’t have been scripted any better.
It was the second game of the twin bill against the Blue Jays. Bottom of the 8th inning. We were already up, but Escarra gave us that sweet insurance run when he absolutely launched one into the right-field seats off former Yankee Chad Green. (Talk about full circle, huh?) The place went nuts — and honestly, so did I. Final score: Yankees 5, Blue Jays 1. Sweep city, baby.
A Cinderella Story in Pinstripes
If you don’t know much about Escarra yet, buckle up — his journey is pure baseball magic. He grew up in Hialeah, Florida, to Cuban parents, and got drafted by the Mets way back in 2013. Instead of going pro right away, he chose to play college ball at FIU, then spent years grinding it out in the minors, independent leagues, and even internationally.
At one point, he was driving for Uber and working as a substitute teacher just to pay the bills — all while chasing that baseball dream. Talk about grit.
Fast forward to January 2024: the Yankees scooped him up on a minor-league deal. Escarra absolutely tore it up in Triple-A Scranton (.302 average with some serious pop), earned a spot on the 40-man roster, and then made the Opening Day roster this season. His first big-league hit came earlier this month, and now — boom — first homer!
Living the Dream
After the game, Escarra said hitting his first dinger at Yankee Stadium was a “dream come true.” And you could feel it — this wasn’t just another rookie getting lucky. This was years of grinding, hoping, and never giving up finally paying off. You could see the emotion on his face rounding those bases.
He’s also been clutch behind the plate, guiding Clarke Schmidt to another solid outing on Sunday. The pitchers clearly trust him, and it’s easy to see why. The kid’s got a good head on his shoulders — and now a bomb to his name.
What’s Next for Escarra?
Who knows? But if Sunday was any sign, J.C. Escarra’s story in the Bronx is just getting started. And honestly, I’m here for every second of it.
Congrats, J.C. — the Bronx loves an underdog, and now you’re officially one of us.
Bronx Bomber Babe 
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