At 29 years of age, J.C. Escarra experienced one of the most emotional moments of his life this March: his Major League debut with the New York Yankees, defending American League champions. He did so after years out of organized baseball and working as an Uber driver and substitute teacher in Florida.
In 2022, after being released by the Baltimore Orioles, the Cuban-American had to look for alternate income. J.C. Escarra rented a Lexus and took several trips as an Uber driver. He also worked as a teacher at Doral Academy High School, where he even coached students in baseball.
Signed by Yankees
Buzzy
J.C. Escarra played in independent leagues with the Kansas City Monarchs and in the winter with the Leones de Ponce in Puerto Rico.
In 2023 he spent time with the Toros de Tijuana and Algodoneros de Union Laguna in Mexico, until January 2024 when he was signed by the Yankees on a minor league contract.
He had an excellent spring in 2025 with a .302 average, three home runs and eight RBIs in 19 games.
Finally, J.C. Escarra was called by manager Aaron Boone, who surprised him with the news that he was going to the Major Leagues.
Escarra’s reaction was recorded by the team and shared with his followers.
“I was floating on a cloud,” he recounted as he entered the Yankee Stadium locker room, which he arrived at in an Uber Black: “I had never taken an Uber to Yankee Stadium before, it was amazing to see the bridge, the views, everything.”
Story of perseverance
J.C. Escarra was born in Miami and is the son of Cuban immigrants.
His story reflects the effort and sacrifice that many Latinos in the U.S. experience on a daily basis.
I thought I would never play again
J.C. Escarra
From being rejected by scouts to presenting himself with hope, his return to MLB is a personal triumph that represents an entire community.
Today, with the number 25 in the Yankees and a resurrected career, J.C. Escarra has become a symbol of resilience and an example for young Latinos who dream big, in and out of sports.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.
