DETROIT — Life as an unbiased league baseball participant is way from glamorous, and it actually doesn’t pay properly.
Simply ask J.C. Escarra, who made roughly $400 each two weeks whereas enjoying for Indy groups just like the Kansas Metropolis Monarchs, Gastonia Honey Hunters, Toros de Tijuana and Algodoneros de Union Laguna from 2022-2023. With a mortgage to pay and a spouse to deal with, Escarra additionally labored as an Uber driver and substitute instructor as he clung to his dream of being an enormous leaguer.
The gig comes with a significant league minimal wage of $760,000. It’s not Aaron Decide cash, but it surely’s fairly the elevate for Escarra, who made his massive league debut on March 29.
“I’m not sure what I’m gonna treat myself to with my first big league paycheck,” stated Escarra, who resides in Hialeah, Florida. “Probably just save most of it, to be honest. I still got the mortgage back home, and I’m paying for somewhere to live up in New York. All the expenses, they add up.”
That they do.
Luckily for Escarra, the son of Cuban immigrants, his underdog story has made him a sizzling commodity within the promoting world. Since making the Yankees’ roster, the 29-year-old has filmed spots for Elevating Canes and Dove. There was additionally his apropos Uber trip to Yankee Stadium on Opening Day, his favourite advert to this point.
These plugs, as soon as unimaginable for Escarra, have led to further income streams for the approaching father.
“It’s money I’ve never made before, and money that I need, obviously, for me and my fam,” Escarra stated. “We’re expecting a little one in June. So it’s been awesome to collab with all these people.”
Escarra wasn’t certain precisely how a lot his first endorsement checks pays him, as he hasn’t obtained them but. However he was certain about one factor.
“Definitely more than I made in Indy ball,” he stated with fun.
Escarra would like to do “something with fragrances,” as he’s an avid cologne consumer. He wouldn’t thoughts the presumed perks that will include a automobile deal, both.
He used to drive an Uber… “Now I drive a Porsche!” Escarra stated, excitedly imagining a tagline for himself. “That would be nice.”
Whereas Escarra has solely performed in two main league video games to this point — he was slated to begin in opposition to the Tigers on Wednesday afternoon — he’s on this place due to his expertise behind the plate and his left-handed swing. As he continues to hone these expertise, he additionally desires to enhance in entrance of the digital camera as he hopes for extra adverts.
“It’s getting better and better,” Escarra stated of his performing chops. “Some individuals say I’m good for a rook, for a beginner doing these commercials, however I’m getting extra snug with them.
“I guess that’s another avenue that we can see in the future: J.C. Escarra the actor.”
