BOSTON – A lot has happened since last time Mike Yastrzemski, then a rookie and relative newly wed, made his way to Fenway Park in mid-September of 2019.
He became a father. He finished 8th in the MVP Award (2020). He established himself as a bona fide everyday major leaguer. He became a father again. and over that span he added about $18 million to gross wages to his bank account.
There is also a difference in this particular trip back home. He is at peace with everything in his life and career.
And his schedule this time is nothing like his schedule nearly five years ago.
“I didn’t have a split second to breathe and think,” recalled Mike.
He’s not complaining about the previous trip here because outside of marriage and seeing his children born, that was one of the most special four days of his life.
From the first pitch with his grandfather Carl Yastrzemski – Carl threw it, Mike caught behind the plate – to their embrace and brief discussion, the bulk of the audience at Fenway Park was in tears.
Then, about an hour later he belted a home run off Red Sox “ace” Nate Eovaldi and a double in the Giants 15-innings win.
“That entire series will be something I’ll cherish forever,” said Mike. “The fact I got to share it with my family made it even more special. It was surreal in a lot of ways.”
His manager, the legendary Bruce Bochy, now with the defending champion Texas Rangers, was like a kid in the baseball candy store watch the two Yastrzemskis together.
“It had to be a great night for a lot of Red Sox fans to see a Yastrzemski out there,” Bochy said. “I’m sure it reminded them of some of the great memories they have. It was pretty cool.”
Mike got in early Monday morning from San Francisco and his mom, Ann Marie Yastrzemski, picked him early in the afternoon and brought him back to his native Andover, where most of his relatives on his mom’s side still resides.
About 20 family and friends gathered at the home of his grandmother, Mimi Wesson, for a relaxing dinner.
“Less pressure on this trip,” said Mike. “I really do love being around family. They’ve been there from the beginning, supporting me.”
Mike’s immediate family, including wife Paige, daughter Quinley, 2, and son, Michael Cahill, born on March 29, didn’t make this trip to Boston because the newborn was too young to travel.
Ironically, Mike said that his family in San Francisco – Nashville in the offseason – has helped keep things in perspective in his life, including and especially his baseball career.
“Actually [growing] my family has made baseball easier,” said Mike. “You put so much time, focus and effort into being the best you can be in a sport that can never be perfected. As young kid you’re selfish, focused on materialized goals, things you’ve been chasing your whole life.
“Then you have these people come into your life and it adds more meaning than the game,” he said. “My number one priority is to make sure my family is OK, safe and happy. and you lose that fear of failure because you’ve already won a life.”
Wow. There is Yastrzemski wisdom when it comes to baseball, but that view is special.
Mike said a big positive to this trek to Boston is that his swing hasn’t felt this good in a while.
And despite his longevity – this is Year 6! – the tough times can still weigh on a player.
“I was not playing well, but I feel a lot better right now,” he said. “That’s baseball.”
Mike said he expects to have a lot of fun, meet and chat with his famous grandfather, and exchange pleasantries with Red Sox fans.
He expects to play more years with the Giants who have one more year under their control after this season.
“I do plan to play more. I still love this game, but the goals have shifted a little bit,” said Mike. “If I were never to play another day of baseball again, I’d be so happy with what I’ve accomplished the great teammates and friends I’ve had.”
As for the short term goals, including these three games at Fenway Park, it’s pretty basic: beat the Red Sox.
“Oh yes,” he said, smiling. “That’s always the ultimate goal when I’m here.”
You can email Bill Burt at bburt@eagletribune.com.