On November 22, the New York Yankees signed outfielder Zack Granite to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. He had spent all 2019 at Triple-A in the Texas Rangers’ organization and hit .290/.331/.375 with three homers and 25 stolen bases.
At first, the Yankees’ intention was for the 27-year-old speedster, who once was a heralded prospect with the Minnesota Twins, to offer depth at the three outfield positions. However, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, it isn’t a given that he ever plays for the team, considering that the players at his positions will likely be healthy by the time the season starts.
As it turns out, Granite is a lifelong Yankees’ fan. He attended Yankee Stadium as a fan and went as a player in 2017 with the Twins.
“From when I was a kid, when I thought about playing in the majors, I envisioned myself in a Yankee uniform,†Granite said to Dan Martin of the New York Post. “Now I’m 27 and have that chance. The first game in spring training, I started and was wearing pinstripes. I had chills and a big smile. I dreamed about it my whole life.â€
He hasn’t played in the majors since 2017. He’s hoping he can play a major league game for the team he loves.
Playing for the Yankees is a dream of his
“It just stinks,†Granite said of the whole situation. “I hope it doesn’t end like this. I’m hoping we can start in June or July and play as long as we can. I don’t know if that’s gonna happen, but I love baseball. It’s what I’ve done my whole life. Even my wife is saying, ‘It’s weird having you around.’â€
“I always wanted to say I played for the Yankees. You hear about all the success they’ve had with guys coming from different organizations. They do a great job with player development, and I wanted to learn from the best. Maybe it wasn’t my best chance to make an Opening Day roster, but I thought it would make me a better player.â€
During the abbreviated spring training, he was showing off his patience: he was 3-for-18 with six walks when play stopped.