Andrew Velazquez was the first Bronx native ever to play for the Yankees, but his 28 games in pinstripes last season may be the entirety of his stay, as he’s now with the Angels.
Los Angeles claimed Velazquez off waivers on Nov. 5, after the Yankees jettisoned him off the 40-man roster, but the 27-year-old was thankful to play for his literal hometown team.
“The opportunity to play in New York, my hometown, was an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Velazquez told Ken Davidoff of the New York Post at the grand opening event for the Wilson flagship store in Manhattan Friday morning. “The way the game works, you never know. Just enjoyed my time here, but really good opportunity in Anaheim.”
He’s also not as upset as you might think about having to leave, because he looks at every opportunity the same way.
“I try not to look at it that way because it was such a good experience,” Velazquez told Davidoff. “I think it was good selfishly for me, but also just for the city. For people that I grew up with. Kids that are trying to become whatever they’re trying to become, in and out of baseball.”
Velazquez became a fan favorite over his time in pinstripes, and was even the Yankees’ starting shortstop in the AL Wild Card Game. Now, though, he’s hoping to find a home at Angel Stadium, which he called one of his favorites – assuming, that is, that the MLBPA and the owners come to an agreement sometime soon to end the lockout.
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“I just hope that both sides come to an agreement. The union is doing their job and they’re going to do a good job like they have been,” he said. “Hopefully it’s sooner than later. We want to play.”
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