Toronto – When Trey Yesavage stepped onto the mound in Game 2 of the ALDS against the New York Yankees, few knew that the 22-year-old rookie’s small hands held the hearts of his entire family – and inspired his father in the stands. After a dazzling performance: 5 1/3 innings without a hit and 11 strikeouts, Yesavage helped Toronto take a 2-0 lead in the playoff series.
And that day, father Dave Yesavage sent his son a wordless but emotional message in front of 44,000 spectators at Rogers Centre and millions watching on television:
“We knew Trey had a mission to accomplish… When he first went up to play in the big leagues, I was in tears. But today, he did what I believed in for a long time.”
Dave wasn’t exaggerating. He once said that when Trey was very young, he built a shooting mound in his backyard… to practice with his son when he or Trey’s brothers couldn’t be there. “He would practice shooting at targets, even though no one was shouting his name. We believed he could make it to the top.”
Now, Trey – from the middle-fielder – has become the big game-winner: in his fourth start of his MLB career, in his first postseason game, he broke the franchise record for strikeouts in a Blue Jays playoff game – 11
In the postgame interview, Trey’s voice trembled as he looked toward the stands where his parents were cheering:
“They’re my family. Mom and Dad, Cole, Chase – even though they’re in school – I love you all so much.”
Toronto returned to the postseason this year after a season away, and even stronger: the team “crowned” the AL East with a win on the final day and a home run advantage throughout the playoffs.
In the 13-7 win, the Blue Jays’ offense also exploded: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit the first grand slam in the team’s postseason history, Daulton Varsho contributed 2 HR, 4 RBI, etc.
The familiar stars joined forces with the rookie, but it was Trey who drew all eyes: “I think about the comment: ‘I was born for this.’ I believe that’s not just a statement,” Trey said before entering the game.
Before the game, Dave Yesavage also shared with Sportsnet:
“I’m nervous, but there’s something in her that makes me believe she can do it. We cried when he made his MLB debut. But today? We’re just proud.”
Those words – simple yet powerful – resonate more than ever. They’re not just a father’s encouragement for his son, but a testament to his journey from quiet practice to the great arena.
This season was enough to carve his name into Blue Jays history for Trey Yesavage — but for his father, he did something even bigger: turning the love of family, the belief in support, and the ambition of his childhood into an unshakeable force on the mound in the postseason. When a father says, “I’m so proud of my son for becoming a true Blue Jay…”, he’s not just talking to his son — he’s telling the world that sometimes, all it takes is one person who believes in you to make it through the season.
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