One-Time Uber Driver Makes The Big Leagues

A lot of chess pieces have to align just for this opportunity to happen. I feel like I did everything on my part to show I could help the team win. Thank God the opportunity’s here.

New York Yankees player J.C. Escarra, reflecting on the journey that brought him to Major League Baseball.

Why It Matters: The 29-year-old baseball player worked as an Uber driver and substitute teacher to help pay the bills while pursuing his professional baseball career — fielding rejections and changing positions from a first baseman to catcher along the way. This season, J.C. Escarra joins the New York Yankees, officially listed on the team’s roster on opening day this Thursday.

Read More: The tear-filled talk ex-Uber driver J.C. Escarra had with his mom after making Yankees’ roster (New York Post)

Escarra’s dream spring capped by James P. Dawson Award (MLB.com)