In Scottsdale, Arizona, Jefry Yan, a Colorado Rockies pitcher, is making waves with his exuberant style on the mound, redefining the celebration scene in baseball. This enthusiastic left-hander from the Dominican Republic, known for his animated leaps and impressive resilience, has caught the attention of many during spring training.
At 28 years old, Yan expresses a genuine joy for the game after overcoming significant challenges in his career. “I’m not trying to disrespect batters when I celebrate,” Yan shared through an interpreter. “I’m simply savoring the moment. Baseball is my passion, and my celebrations are a reflection of that.”
Yan’s journey began in 2014 with the Los Angeles Angels, but arm injuries and a subsequent 2016 Tommy John surgery set him back. After being released, he kept his baseball dream alive while working various jobs, such as landscaping and roofing, and playing in Arizona’s Sunday amateur leagues.
Persisting with his dream, Yan re-entered professional baseball in 2021 with the Miami Marlins. Despite making it to Triple-A, he never reached the major leagues. In 2023, he struck out an impressive 102 batters across 57 innings before opting for free agency. He then played in Japan last year and recently joined the Rockies.
Rockies manager Bud Black has taken notice of Yan’s talent, especially his mid-90s fastball and elusive breaking pitches. Yan has delivered a strong spring performance, including a scoreless relief inning against the Seattle Mariners, and has yet to give up a run in three outings.
“While he’s had a few walks in the minors, the strikeouts are significant,” Black said. “It’s essential for him to command the strike zone and maintain aggression. Yan’s flamboyance is just part of his character, and we encourage players to embrace who they are.”
Yan’s distinct celebrations have caught the eye of other players, including Dodgers pitcher Emmet Sheehan and outfielder James Outman. While Outman commented that pitchers have more opportunities to celebrate than hitters, he appreciated Yan’s energy. “A three-pitch strikeout feels deserving of a celebration,” Outman remarked.
With a global fan base, Yan noted that audiences, especially in Japan, appreciated his dynamic strikeout displays. International baseball cultures, Yan observed, often embrace celebratory moments – a sentiment reflected both in his homeland and around the world.
His contemporaries, like Dominican hitters Elly de la Cruz and Fernando Tatis Jr., also embrace expressive celebrations, which Yan supports entirely. “They have their moments, and I have mine,” he said. “We all celebrate our successes in our own ways.”
Though Yan’s chances to break into the Rockies’ roster for opening day may be slim, his persistence and talent provide depth in the long Major League season. Ultimately, while his charismatic celebrations define his presence on the mound, it’s performance consistency that propels him toward achieving his big-league dreams.
“I hope to stay fit, contribute to the team, and make my Major League debut one day,” Yan concluded, maintaining his optimistic outlook.
