GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Jefry Yan is aware of the attention his energetic celebrations of strikeouts and key outs have drawn, as he’s gone viral multiple times over the past couple of years.
Thanks to his particular style of celebrating on the mound with the Estrellas Orientales in the Dominican League (LIDOM) and then reinforcing the Leones del Escogido in the postseason — and now the Caribbean Series — the journeyman left-hander has made a name for himself among those who follow winter ball. And now he’s reaching a wider audience.
During this week’s Caribbean Series, in which Escogido is looking to become only the fourth team in the tournament’s history to repeat as champion, Yan reflected on his personality on the field and the motivation behind his strikeout punctuations, which often feature him leaping off the mound.
“A cheerful, electric guy,” is how Yan described himself. “I like it, especially when I’m competing and things go well for me. I like supporting my team, cheering the guys on, always being in sync with them and celebrating every time we get an out — or they get an out. And also engaging with the crowd.
“You know, the fans are the ones who support us, and we engage with them too, since they’re really into the game. I like to encourage them to keep supporting us.”
Yan says he’s had that mindset throughout his long and winding professional baseball career, which began with his first professional contract with the Angels in 2013, followed by Tommy John surgery in 2015, stints in unaffiliated leagues after that, three Minor League seasons with the Marlins, a season in Japan with the Seibu Lions, another in Triple-A in the Rockies organization and the last three winter campaigns in his home country with the Estrellas. He signed a Minor League contract with the Mets in August.
Yan, 29, also says he hasn’t had any run-ins with opponents or teammates because of his lively expressions on the mound.
“I haven’t had any trouble with anyone, neither here nor anywhere else, nor in my own country,” he said. “Honestly, a lot of people laugh, and many tell me, ‘You outdid yourself, you made me go viral,’ but they know that I enjoy what I do. I don’t disrespect them, the team, nor the fans.
“I’ve always been like this. I’ve always been a very energetic, cheerful kind of guy who likes to have fun in the game and enjoy the moment.”
This year, Yan hopes to finally reach the Major Leagues, starting at Mets Spring Training in a few days.
“Giving thanks to God every day, to my family, my wife, and to my effort — my work every day,” he said. “To my performance, giving 100% every day and believing in God every day.”
Before reporting to Port St. Lucie, Yan is now enjoying his first Caribbean Series, trying to make his mark for Escogido as a left-handed bullpen arm.
“Honestly, it’s the best thing in the world,” Yan, who came into Wednesday with two scoreless innings and three strikeouts in two appearances in the tournament, said of the experience. “It’s the first time I’ve been to a Caribbean Series, and I’m very happy, very glad to be here, mainly doing my job and helping my team keep winning.”
All Caribbean Series games will air live on MLB Network and stream on MLBN Direct-To-Consumer and MLB.TV. View the full Caribbean Series schedule here.