The New York Yankees’ backup catcher position was up for grabs. And an Uber driver made the best case for himself.
J.C. Escarra’s ascent to the Yankees’ backup catcher position has become one of the most heartwarming stories of spring training. The battle for the backup role was wide open after Austin Wells was named the starter. But Escarra has truly made a name for himself.
Yankees reporter Jack Curry recently praised his performance for hitting an impressive .368 with three home runs and seven RBIs. For a player who has yet to make his major league debut, this kind of breakout in spring training is attention-grabbing.
J.C. Escarra, the former Uber driver who is one of the best stories of the spring, has hit .368 w/ 3 HRs and has a stranglehold on the Yankees’ backup catcher position. But the 29-year old said, “I’m not thinking about it yet. I just want to get through the next week or so.”
— JackCurryYES (@JackCurryYES) March 18, 2025
What makes Escarra’s journey all the more inspiring is the road he traveled to get here. After the Baltimore Orioles drafted him as a first baseman, he faced a major setback when released in 2022. Instead of letting it break him, Escarra rolled up his sleeves and took on any job he could find.
He started working as an Uber driver to pay the bills while coaching youth baseball and teaching substitutes. All the while, he was determined to get back behind the plate, the position he loved most. His story resonates with anyone who has chased a dream against the odds.
Now, as he stands on the verge of possibly making his MLB debut, Escarra has the support of his teammates, including Wells, who believes in his capabilities. Wells has spoken about how exciting it is to see Escarra shining in spring training and believes he has what it takes to make an impact in the big leagues.
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Escarra Sounds Excited About His Yankees Debut
Escarra is feeling a whirlwind of emotions as he approaches a big moment in his life. It’s hard for him not to think about what the next week will bring. After all, this could be the moment he’s been waiting for after his journey from an Uber driver to a backup catcher for the Yankees.
As training camp wraps up, Escarra feels confident that he’s done enough to earn his place, even though the official word hasn’t come down just yet.
“I try to catch myself. Obviously, it hasn’t happened yet, but it’s a surreal moment. I don’t know how it’s going to feel playing at Yankee Stadium in my first game or just being on the line singing the anthem on Opening Day. It’s stuff I dream about since I was a kid. I don’t know how it’s going to feel, but I don’t want it to be overwhelming and get the most of me. So I’m trying to just focus on day to day and keep doing what I’m doing right now,” Escarra said.
After being released by the #Orioles in April 2022, J.C. Escarra worked as an Uber driver, substitute teacher, and food delivery driver to support his family and pursue his baseball dreams.
— American Association (@AA_Baseball) February 26, 2025
Now, three years later, he's on the verge of making the Yankees' Opening Day roster 👇… pic.twitter.com/ABxoE1uKQO
With the Yankees set to kick off their season against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 27, fans are eager to see if this inspiring underdog will take the field in pinstripes.
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