It Might Not Be Your Time... YET!

I recently had the privilege of attending the season opener for the Yankees as they faced off against the Milwaukee Brewers. The game was a spectacle—an offensive explosion where the Yankees’ bats seemed to come alive, setting records and knocking home run after home run out of the park. It was the type of headline-worthy performance that made every sports outlet buzz with excitement. But, as much as that offensive outburst was the story everyone was talking about, I couldn’t help but be drawn to a different, more personal narrative unfolding right in front of me.

You see, in 2016, I had the unique experience of being a batboy for an independent baseball team known as the New Jersey Jackals. That season, we had a talented roster—former big league pitchers alongside hitters who could absolutely dominate. However, despite the incredible talent on the field, there was a sense that most of the players didn’t want to be there. They all had dreams of playing in affiliated baseball, hoping for a shot at the big leagues.

So why, on a night when the Yankees’ offense was stealing all the headlines, wasn’t that what I was focused on?

One of the Yankee pitchers, Fernando Cruz, had once been a part of that 2016 Jackals squad.

Fernando’s journey to the majors wasn’t an easy one. Back in those days, as he grinded through the independent leagues, he was making very little money, yet he was determined to keep his dream alive. While his peers were hoping for an immediate call-up to affiliated ball, Fernando knew it was a long road ahead. But he kept pushing forward, believing in his talent and the chance that one day, he would get his shot. And although it didn’t come quickly, he never lost faith.

After spending several years bouncing around the independent leagues and even playing in foreign leagues, Fernando finally got the call he’d been waiting for. In 2022, at the age of 32, he made his major league debut with the Cincinnati Reds. It was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and a whole lot of belief in himself when others might have walked away.

Fast forward to the 2024 season, and Fernando Cruz is now a member of the New York Yankees. He’s part of their strong bullpen, a testament to his perseverance and resilience.

The reason I couldn’t stop thinking about Fernando, instead of just reveling in the Yankees’ record-breaking offensive performance, is because his story is a powerful reminder. It’s a reminder that even if you feel you’re ready right now, and you believe that big break is long overdue, it might just not be your time yet. That doesn’t mean it never will be. It’s easy to get discouraged when your dreams feel out of reach, when the spotlight seems to shine on everyone but you. But there’s a crucial lesson in Fernando’s journey—sometimes you just need to keep putting in the work, even when it feels like you’re not getting anywhere.

This is the moment where many people give up. They quit when they’re not seeing the immediate rewards. But the reality is, your big break could be just around the corner. It could take weeks, months, or even a few more years, but persistence is key. Fernando stuck with it. He trusted the process, believed in God’s plan for him, and now he’s wearing the pinstripes of the New York Yankees.

His story is a powerful testament to the idea that perseverance pays off. Even when it feels like the world is moving faster for everyone else, your time will come. You just have to keep pushing. Keep grinding. Keep believing. And eventually, like Fernando Cruz, you too might find yourself right where you always dreamed of being.

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! We’ll talk soon! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌