'Whirlwind' journey brings Jacques to House of Jeter

NEW YORK -- On Friday, Joe Jacques’ dream came true. Not only did the Red Sox select the left-hander to be on the 26-man roster, he reported to Yankee Stadium to possibly pitch against his hometown team.

Jacques, 28, grew up in New Jersey, went to Manhattan College and idolized Hall of Famer Derek Jeter “for doing things the right way” on the diamond. Jaques’ favorite Jeter moment was when he got the game-winning hit in his last game at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 25, 2014.

“It capped off an amazing career for that guy,” Jacques said about Jeter.

Jacques couldn’t believe he was in the Red Sox’s clubhouse at Yankee Stadium. He was living the dream when he walked into Boston’s bullpen in left field. To top it off, he had family and friends rooting for him.

“It’s a dream come true. It’s a whirlwind,” Jacques said. “I’m at a loss for words to make my debut here. … It was pretty surreal walking up the steps and seeing the Yankee Stadium sign and all that.

“I had a bunch of people behind the bullpen cheering me on -- a lot of people down the left-field line. I had to take pictures with them [after the game]. It was amazing.”

Jacques learned about his promotion on Thursday night after arriving at his apartment in Worcester, Mass. He realized he had missed a phone call from Triple-A Worcester manager Chad Tracy. Jacques had a feeling that he was going to get the callup.

“[Tracy] was like, ‘How would you like to play at Yankee Stadium tomorrow?’ I was shaking uncontrollably and I was in shock,” Jacques recalled.

Jacques appeared in 23 games for Worcester, posting a 3.58 ERA, finishing three games and striking out 24 in 27 2/3 innings. He said he is the type of guy who wants the ball when the game is on the line.

“I gained the trust of [Tracy],” Jacques said. “... That’s the plan [in Boston]. I know you have to work for the big opportunities, but I’m a guy that wants the ball in my hand when the game is on the line.”

Jacques has played Minor League ball since 2018, when he was selected by the Pirates in the 33rd round of the MLB Draft. He thought he was going to get his first taste of big league life in ‘21 when he was with Triple-A Indianapolis, but a bad outing against St. Paul might have cost him his chance.

“Our starter came out in the first inning, and I had to go in and give up eight runs, and I think that blew my chance then,” he recalled.

Jacques can’t wait to get his first big league chance in a Red Sox uniform.

“I’m waiting for my name to be called and just get the job done,” he said. “I’m ready for my opportunity and take advantage of it.”