Bittersweet debut: Carlos Narvaez secures first hit in Yankees’ defeat

Sunday July 21, 2024

Carlos Narvaez provided a rare bright spot for the Yankees in their 9-1 loss to the Rays, securing his first Major League hit with a single to right field in the ninth inning. The 25-year-old catcher, who had been called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre a week earlier, finally made his mark after spending seven seasons in the minor leagues.

Narvaez’s journey to this moment spanned 472 minor-league games. Tied with Oswaldo Cabrera as the second-longest-tenured Yankee in the organization behind Aaron Judge, he wasted no time making an impact. In his first major-league at-bat, the rookie connected for a 106.2-mph line drive off Rays reliever Kevin Kelly on the fifth pitch he saw when he entered the game in the top of the ninth as a defensive substitute.

Narvaez turns emotional

Following the game, Narvaez became emotional when discussing his plans to gift the milestone baseball to his father. He described his father as his hero, noting that he had been his first coach when the prospect was just three years old and had supported him throughout his journey.

Yankees' Carlos Narvaez hits a single during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Saturday, July 20, 2024, in New York. — Pamela Smith@AP

“He’s my hero,” he said. “He’s been with me since I was young. He was my first coach when I was 3 years old. He’s been with me forever. I’m still — it’s too [many] feelings right now. It’s been amazing.”

Narvaez, whose cousin is former Mets catcher Omar Narvaez, had previously been called up in April when Alex Verdugo went on paternity leave but didn’t get into a game. His current opportunity came after Jose Trevino suffered a quadriceps injury. In Triple-A, Narvaez had posted a .253/.379/.413 slash line with 19 home runs and 86 RBIs over 155 games across parts of two seasons.

The catcher expressed immense pride and gratitude for the opportunity to play for the Yankees, describing it as the culmination of a long journey. He emphasized the significance of being part of such a prestigious team and clubhouse, struggling to fully articulate the emotions of the moment.

“I’m super-proud for this opportunity,” he said. “It’s been a long journey, but to be around these guys on this amazing team, this amazing clubhouse, I can’t describe this moment.”

Narvaez’s debut hit served as a poignant reminder of the personal triumphs that can occur even amidst the team’s struggles, highlighting the perseverance required to reach the major leagues.

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