After more than a decade since the bat flip became a popular celebration in Major League Baseball, Colorado Rockies pitcher Jefry Yan may be leading the way for a new wave of celebrations on the mound.
The Dominican left-hander has gained attention during spring training in Arizona for his energetic celebrations, which include leaping into the air and nearly performing the splits after a strikeout. At 28 years old, Yan says his enthusiasm stems from the journey he’s taken to return to baseball.
“I never intend to make the batter look bad or wish harm upon anyone,” Yan explained through an interpreter. “I’m just enjoying the game. That’s my main focus. So when I strike someone out, the emotions just come out.”
Yan began his professional baseball career in 2014, playing two seasons with the Los Angeles Angels as a teenager. However, arm injuries cut his career short, leading to Tommy John surgery in 2016, after which he was eventually released.
For the next three and a half years, Yan played in a Sunday amateur league in Arizona while taking on various odd jobs to support himself, including roofing, landscaping, and working as a delivery driver. Yan remained focused on his baseball dreams, saying, “I never let my dream of playing in MLB go away.”
In 2021, after several years of playing in an amateur league and doing odd jobs, he returned to professional baseball by signing with the Miami Marlins. Over three years in their organization, he reached Triple-A but never made it to the majors. In 2023, he struck out 102 batters in 57 innings and chose free agency after the season.
In 2024, Yan pitched in Japan before joining the Colorado Rockies. Rockies manager Bud Black has expressed admiration for the left-handed pitcher, noting his ability to reach mid-90s with his fastball and his impressive breaking pitches, which are difficult to read due to his unique delivery.
Jefry Yan threw a scoreless inning of relief on Sunday against the Seattle Mariners, marking his third straight appearance this spring without giving up a run.
Rockies manager Bud Black noted that while Yan has walked a few batters in the minors, his strikeout ability stands out. Black encouraged Yan to stay aggressive and keep throwing strikes, adding that Yan’s flamboyant style is simply part of who he is, and the team supports players expressing themselves.
Other players, including Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Emmet Sheehan and outfielder James Outman, have taken notice of Yan’s celebratory style on the mound but don’t mind it. Outman humorously pointed out that pitchers get fewer strikeouts than batters hit homers, suggesting a good balance could be a three-pitch strikeout as worthy of celebration.
Yan shared that fans in Japan were very accepting of his strikeout celebrations, and that international baseball cultures, like those in the Dominican Republic and Japan, have been ahead of the curve when it comes to on-field celebrations.
Yan also praised Dominican stars like Elly de la Cruz and Fernando Tatis Jr. for their spirited celebrations after hitting home runs, saying they have every right to show excitement.
Jefry Yan expressed that both he and the players hitting home runs have the right to enjoy their time on the field. “They’re going to enjoy their time, I’m going to enjoy my time,” he said. “Everything’s fair. You do you, and I’ll do my celebration.”
While Yan may be a longshot to make the Rockies’ opening day roster, he recognizes the need for depth in pitching, especially with the demanding six-month season at Coors Field. Though his energetic celebrations have become a notable part of his personality, Yan understands that results on the mound will be key to fulfilling his dream of reaching the majors.
Once he does make it, he believes the true celebration will begin. “I pray that I’m healthy, can help this team and make my major league debut,” Yan said.