Nestor Cortes made his return to Yankee Stadium as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers, reflecting on his time spent with the Yankees. Having been traded less than four months prior, he found himself unfamiliar with the stadium's layout. Cortes was traded alongside infield prospect Caleb Durbin for closer Devin Williams, a move he anticipated given the Yankees' surplus of starting pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón.

As Cortes prepares to face his former teammates, he cherishes the memories made during his four-year stint with the Yankees, where he achieved a 3.33 ERA and earned an All-Star selection in 2022. His connection to the Yankees remains strong as he supports childhood friend J.C. Escarra, who made the Yankees' Opening Day roster. Excitement mounts for both players as they prepare to compete against one another.

J.C. Escarra's journey to Yankee Stadium for Opening Day was marked by emotions as he reflected on his rise from former Uber driver to MLB player. The 29-year-old backup catcher, who previously played for independent teams, embraced the moment as he rode towards the iconic stadium, cherishing the view and the significance of joining the New York Yankees. His father, a Cuban immigrant and lifelong Yankees fan, inspired him through his childhood dreams of playing for the team.

Joining Escarra were fellow newcomers Cody Bellinger and Devin Williams, both experiencing an emotional day filled with familial connections to the Yankees. Bellinger, whose father played for the team, celebrated his first Opening Day in the Bronx, while Williams looked forward to facing familiar faces in the Brewers' dugout. Max Fried, a key part of the pitching rotation, anticipated his debut as he settled into his new environment, showcasing the blend of nostalgia and excitement that accompanied these players on this significant day.

J.C. Escarra's journey to the major leagues has been anything but conventional. Once a ride-share driver in New York City, Escarra, now 29, is living the dream of many aspiring players as he dons the Yankees' No. 25 jersey. He fought back from being released by the Baltimore Orioles to find success in independent leagues, ultimately earning a spot on the defending AL champions.

Escarra's rise to prominence in baseball was marked by resilience and determination, bouncing back from setbacks and seizing opportunities, including a standout performance in spring training where he batted .302. As he prepares for his debut, the excitement is palpable, not just for him, but for his family and friends who have watched his journey closely.