Kyle Higashioka stepped onto the Yankee Stadium field Tuesday night wearing unfamiliar colors. The former Yankees catcher returned as a Texas Ranger, greeted by fans who hadn’t forgotten his contributions.
“In some ways, it seems like I never left,’’ he admitted. Higashioka was on the bench during the Tuesday night game that the Yankees won 5-2.
Before the series opener, the Yankees honored Higashioka with a tribute video. Highlights from his New York tenure played on the jumbotron, ending with: “Welcome back, Kyle Higashioka.”
The 34-year-old veteran appeared touched by the gesture. He took a moment pregame to reflect on his Yankees career.
“Being a Yankee is really special,” Higashioka said. “I feel extremely privileged to have been a part of this organization for so many years. The fans were really good to me. I loved playing in front of them.”
From draft day to the majors
The Yankees selected Higashioka in the seventh round of the 2008 MLB Draft. His path to the majors proved lengthy. He spent nearly a decade in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut in 2017.
That journey shaped his reputation among teammates and fans alike.
“When I sit and look back at it, it’s been a pretty special ride,” he said in a 2023 interview. “Especially for the relationships I’ve built here in this organization and all the teammates I’ve had over the years.”
Those connections now extend beyond active players.
“Actually, a lot of the teammates I had in the Minors are now coaches in the organization,” Higashioka noted. “It’s pretty funny, but yeah, it’s pretty crazy.”
The Yankees traded him to San Diego in December 2023. After one season with the Padres, he signed a two-year contract with Texas.
Yankees handle business
The nostalgia quickly gave way to competition. The Yankees defeated the Rangers 5-2 before a packed stadium.
Rookie Ben Rice started the scoring with a 376-foot solo homer in the second inning. He drove in another run with a fourth-inning sacrifice fly that brought home Aaron Judge.
Anthony Volpe extended the lead to 3-0 in the sixth with an RBI double. Judge added a two-run shot in the eighth, his 326-foot drive barely clearing the right field wall.
The Rangers scored their only runs in the ninth when Jonah Heim connected for a two-run homer.
Higashioka has all praise for Aaron Judge. “I would say it’s incredible, but from playing with him for so long, you almost assume it’s something that’s possible,’’ he said. “So it’s not that incredible because it’s him. It’s cool to see.”
Lasting connection
Though Higashioka didn’t impact Tuesday’s outcome, his presence resonated with fans. The tribute recognized his dedication during his Yankees tenure. From catching elite pitchers to providing stability as a backup through multiple playoff appearances, he earned respect throughout the organization.
Now with Texas, Higashioka brings veteran leadership to a new clubhouse. But Tuesday’s reception confirmed his place in Yankees history remains secure.
The series continues on Wednesday night, but the moment between Higashioka and the Yankee faithful served as a reminder that Bronx bonds endure beyond uniform changes.
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