In the heart of Los Angeles, Trey Yesavage found himself in a unique predicament. As the 22-year-old pitcher stood in the bustling clubhouse of the Toronto Blue Jays, he hesitated to join the post-game celebrations after clinching the team's first AL East title in a decade. With excitement buzzing around him, Yesavage had only one thought on his mind: “I have homework.” This moment came just a month before he would rewrite the World Series record books and push the Blue Jays to the brink of a championship.
Months prior, Yesavage had envisioned a quieter season, one filled with time to tackle four online fall courses, including a challenging class in media criticism. However, he did not anticipate making legendary starts in late October, each game more significant than the last. The young pitcher had not predicted his ability to perform under the bright lights he had long dreamed of since his days in rural Pennsylvania. Particularly memorable was his electrifying performance against the Dodgers in Game 5, where he struck out 12 batters, securing a 6-1 victory in what would become one of the most significant starts in franchise history. “This kid just shoved,” remarked teammate Braydon Fisher. “Now he has homework.”
Yesavage's journey from a high school pitcher to a major league star is remarkable. His high school career ended with a heartbreaking 1-0 loss, where he felt the weight of the moment as he stumbled on the mound. Coach Todd Moyer, who had known him for nearly a decade, took him out of the game, mistakenly believing he was injured. “One more squat, one more bench press,” Yesavage reflected, haunted by the thought that he could have changed the game with one more powerful hit.
Since that pivotal moment in high school, Yesavage has continually surpassed expectations. He transitioned from regional college tournaments at East Carolina University to the Low-A Dunedin team, and now, he has reached the Fall Classic. He has made history as the youngest pitcher to record 10 or more strikeouts in World Series history, and the only rookie to achieve 12. Unlike his high school coach, who ended his night prematurely, Blue Jays manager John Schneider allowed Yesavage to pitch deep into the game, showcasing his remarkable growth and resilience.
During his historic performance at Dodger Stadium, Yesavage demonstrated an impressive ability to control his emotions. “Historic stuff,” Schneider commented, as Yesavage delivered an incredible 6 1/3 innings of dominant pitching. Over time, he has learned to balance his intensity with composure. In high school, he often got angry and blamed others for mistakes, but in college, he became overly reserved. Now, as Toronto’s first-round pick for 2024, he has found a healthy equilibrium: calm and collected, yet ready to unleash his competitive spirit when needed. “I’ve found an even middle ground,” Yesavage said, emphasizing his newfound approach to the game.
On the mound during a crucial game, Yesavage exhibited remarkable poise. He calmly wiped his hand on his pants after a less-than-perfect pitch and took a moment to compose himself. After a flawless first inning, he returned to the dugout with a sense of control. Even when faced with adversity, including a solo home run by Kiké Hernández, he brushed off the setback and continued to dominate, racking up strikeouts.
Outfielder Joey Loperfido noted how Yesavage's stoic demeanor creates respect among hitters. “When they’re stoic and not showing anything to you as a hitter, you’re kind of just like, ‘Alright, this guy means business,’” he said. Yesavage held his emotions in check until he induced a critical ground ball, leading to an inning-ending double play. At that moment, he let loose, flexing his muscles and celebrating with his teammates.
Coach Moyer compared Yesavage to Ferdinand the Bull, a character known for his peaceful nature. This analogy perfectly encapsulates Yesavage's approach to the game. He channels a tranquil mindset while preparing for monumental starts, hoping to control his passion until the right moment. Despite the whirlwind of post-game celebrations and the allure of a World Series title, Yesavage remained grounded, recalling his responsibilities as a student.
As the Blue Jays continue their pursuit of a World Series championship, Yesavage reflects on the unexpected nature of his journey. He didn't foresee how a historic World Series run would sidetrack his studies, and he certainly didn't anticipate the celebratory bottle of premium tequila waiting for him after his standout performance. Yet, amidst the excitement, he remains a young player navigating the complexities of professional baseball while still being a student. In the biggest moments, he has proven himself as a formidable force on the mound, leaving a mark on baseball history and leading the 2025 Jays one win away from immortality.
