In a remarkable journey that embodies resilience and determination, J.C. Escarra made his Major League Baseball debut on March 27, 2025, as the backup catcher for the New York Yankees. His story is one of grit, having transitioned from part-time substitute teacher and Uber driver to fulfilling his lifelong dream of playing in the big leagues.
Escarra, a former standout at Florida International University (FIU), was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 15th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. However, after spending time in the minor leagues and reaching Triple-A with the Norfolk Tides, his baseball career faced uncertainty when he was released by the Orioles in April 2022.
With his future in baseball hanging by a thread, Escarra took on various jobs to support himself and his family. "I was substitute teaching at Doral Academy High School in Florida and driving an Uber," he recalled. "I had a mortgage to pay and was doing everything I could to keep my baseball career alive." Escarra's teaching included subjects like art, music, and physical education, and he often filled in wherever needed.
In early 2023, as scouts flocked to Doral Academy to watch Adrian Santana, a player expected to be drafted highly, Escarra seized the moment. "I would go one by one to these scouts: ‘Hey, if you need a left-handed catcher, I’m your guy,’" he shared. Unfortunately, those efforts did not yield immediate results.
Despite the setbacks, Escarra's perseverance paid off in January 2024 when the New York Yankees signed him to a minor league contract. He began the season with the Double-A Somerset Patriots, where he showcased his talents, leading to a promotion to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. There, he posted an impressive .302 batting average with a .403 on-base percentage and a .527 slugging percentage in 52 games.
Escarra continued to impress during spring training in 2025, hitting .333 with a .936 OPS in 17 games. His performance caught the attention of Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who announced Escarra's inclusion in the Opening Day roster as the backup catcher behind Austin Wells.
On Opening Day, Escarra's journey came full circle as he took an Uber Black SUV from his Manhattan hotel to Yankee Stadium. Reflecting on his past, he said, "When I was driving Uber, I had no idea the people that were getting in my car. I was just thinking about whoever the driver was, he has a Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees sitting in his car. It was a pretty good moment."
Escarra's journey has not been without its emotional moments. Videos of Boone breaking the news to him about making the team went viral, showcasing the joy and relief of a player who was just one more 'no' away from quitting baseball altogether. "There was a time in my life that I thought I wasn’t going to be playing baseball anymore. To wake up this morning as a Major League Baseball player, especially for the New York Yankees, it means the world to me," Escarra expressed.
His journey resonates with many, not just for its challenges but also for the support he received from his family. His wife took on multiple jobs to ensure that he could continue pursuing his dream. "Everything she had to do when I got released by the other teams, who was there when I got home with open arms? My mom and my dad. That’s why it means so much to me and my family to be in this position right now," he said.
As Escarra stepped onto the field for the Yankees’ 4-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, he became the 19th player in FIU baseball history to reach the majors, joining the ranks of notable alumni like Logan Allen of the Cleveland Guardians and Austin Shenton of the Seattle Mariners.
His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of community support. Escarra exemplifies how hard work, resilience, and a refusal to give up can lead to fulfilling one’s dreams, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
As the Yankees embark on the 2025 season, Escarra's presence on the roster serves as an inspiring narrative for fans and aspiring athletes alike. His journey from driving an Uber to catching for the Yankees is not just a personal victory but a beacon of hope for anyone chasing their dreams in the face of adversity.
With the season now underway, all eyes will be on Escarra as he navigates his new role in the majors, ready to contribute to the storied franchise and continue his incredible journey in the world of baseball.
