Luis García Jr. was born and bred in New York and grew up rooting for the Yankees before moving to the Dominican Republic.
So for García, Monday’s homecoming — and the home run that highlighted it — hit a little different.
“Yeah, it means a lot to be able to do that,” García said through an interpreter. “Hit a home run in Yankee Stadium and to be able to get the ball back, it’s a great moment there, a great memory. So I’ll keep that in my heart.
“It means a lot to be able to connect there. I’m really just going there, try to do my job, try to find a pitch where I can put my team on top. Just the whole moment, I’m going to cherish it.”
The Yankees fell 13-7 to the Cardinals, but García sparked the offense in his debut.
Starting at first and hitting third, García went 2-for-4 with a run scored and two RBIs — crushing a go-ahead home run in the seventh.
He drilled a 2-2 pitch from George Soriano out to right-center, dropping his bat and watching with a smile as the ball cleared the fence.
“He was amazing,” starter Cam Schlittler said.
“I’m sure a lot of emotions run through. You’re from here, this is your team growing up, and you walk into Yankee Stadium for the first time, everyone’s watching you, counting on you,” Aaron Boone said. “That’s one of those things about being a big leaguer and being a good player, being able to slow moments down. He obviously did a really good job of that.
“Very few guys are turning those double plays. And then, good at-bats, too. … So, excited for him. Cool that he came in, first day you get settled in and have a big night. Hopefully that goes a long way in getting him acclimated where it’s normal and routine for him.”
That’s what the Bombers are hoping for.
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García had been leading the National League in slugging before the Yankees acquired him.
His 24 homers and 78 RBIs are already career highs.
And the Bombers are convinced there’s even more offense to unlock because of how his newfound penchant for pulling the ball will take advantage of the short porch in right.
He raked righties for a .918 OPS, and could give the Bombers a boost.
They had scored just seven runs in their prior four games and 35 in their previous 12 contests.
His impact was clear and immediate.
And general manager Brian Cashman dismissed any concerns of overlap between García and Ben Rice, both lefty-swinging first basemen/designated hitters.
“We went into the trade deadline looking to find ways to improve our offense, and quite simply, he does do that. He improves our offense. He gives us more flexibility, more choices, and more impact,” Cashman said. “It makes us deeper and it makes us better, period.”
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Thank you
García got the ball from his first Yankees home run, and got to debut in front of friends and family.
But he’ll get to play in front of many more Tuesday.
“[Monday] was just five,” said García, adding with a grin, “but [Tuesday] will be 25.”
