Harrison Bader, a native of Bronxville, New York, was surprisingly waived by the Yankees on Tuesday. Bader, who was picked up by the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, spoke to the media and became emotional when discussing his brief career with the Yankees, per Yes Network.
"It just means so much to me to be a New York City kid, playing in the Bronx for the Yankees."
Before leaving for Cincinnati, claimed off waivers by the Reds, Harrison Bader reflects on a childhood dream come true in pinstripes.#YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/Rt3Za36IZX
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) August 31, 2023
“It just means so much to me to be a New York City kid, playing in the Bronx for the Yankees. It's just really special for a lot of reasons. There was a lot of good moments and I'm just really excited because regardless of the situation, no one can ever take the fact that I put that uniform on, growing up in that city.”
Bader, clearly emotional, said he was thankful for the opportunity to play in the Bronx.
In his eighth year in the big leagues, Bader spent the first six years of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals before he was traded to the Yankees ahead of last year's deadline.
Bader, a Gold Glove winner in center, continued to play his usually exceptional defense in the outfield with the Yankees- and even impressed with his bat in the 2022 postseason.
The former Cardinals outfielder belted five home runs in the American League Division Series and the Championship Series combined.
Unfortunately, Bader's offense came in flashes, and he was too often unavailable for the Yankees, especially this year.
A strained oblique in spring training held him out of action until May 2, then a right hamstring strain cost him about a month of action before he returned on June 20.
As painful as it is for Bader to leave the Yankees, he has said he wants to win. The Cincinnati Reds, 69-66 and in the heat of the National League Wild Card race, figure to give him the opportunity to do just that.
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