J.C. Escarra helps solidify fairytale Yankees story with breakout game
J.C. Escarra's journey from Uber driver to backup catcher for the Yankees got another chapter on Sunday, as he homered for the first time in his major league career in a 5-1 win over Toronto in a doubleheader sweep in The Bronx.
Escarra took ex-Yankee Chad Green deep to the right field seats with two outs in the bottom of the eighth to give the Yankees a bit more of a cushion.
'I didn't feel the ball off the bat,'' Escarra said. 'It was amazing.'
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J.C. Escarra celebrates his first MLB home run on April 27, 2025.
Jason Szenes / New York Post
And he said there was even more meaning to the blast because he hit it at Yankee Stadium.
'It's special that I did it here at home,'' Escarra said. 'This is my team, my family's team. It's a dream come true, doing everything as a Yankee.'
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Escarra was able to trade an autographed bat in exchange for the ball.
'If you asked me two years ago if I'd be here doing this, I'd tell you you're lying,'' Escarra said. 'This is stuff you dream about, but to have it be reality is crazy.'
And while the 29-year-old's unique background made him an intriguing story during spring training, Escarra will only stick around if he produces.
So far, he's delivered on defense, which is what the Yankees expected after watching him in their minor league system a year ago.
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'He's here because he can catch,'' Aaron Boone said. 'He really earned that reputation in our organization last year. He throws really well, is outstanding with framing [and] seems to have some presence and feel for calling a game.'
Escarra helped guide Clarke Schmidt through five innings, giving up just one run, in Schmidt's best start of the young season.
'He's fun to work with,'' the right-hander said after allowing a solo homer to Anthony Santander and four walks. 'I think everything I throw is a strike because he makes it look so good.'
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J.C. Escarra and Luke Weaver celebrate win over the Blue Jays.
Jason Szenes / New York Post
The ever-positive Escarra has also drawn praise for his positive attitude.
'He's so competitive and is always smiling,'' Schmidt said. 'You root for a guy like that. He appreciates the moment and doesn't take anything for granted.'
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Boone also noted that the lefty-swinging Escarra has some power. Although he has just five hits on the season, three are for extra-bases. And he added an RBI single off lefty reliever Brendon Little in the sixth.
'This is cool for him,'' said Luke Weaver, who pitched the ninth. 'He's worked really hard at it.'
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