Toronto Blue Jays rookies Trey Yesavage and Kazuma Okamoto took part in the longstanding MLB rookie coffee run tradition this past weekend in Chicago. The players, dressed in full Blue Jays uniforms, carried trays of Starbucks drinks and treats near Wrigley Field, drawing attention from fans and photographers alike.
Rookies spotted on coffee run near Wrigley Field
Photographer Cory Sechrest captured images of the group, which included Yesavage, Okamoto, Yohendrick Pinango, Spencer Miles, and Charles McAdoo. The players were easily identifiable in their uniforms as they walked from a Starbucks location to the ballpark. Sechrest posted the photos on social media, noting that the tradition dates back to 2014 when the Los Angeles Dodgers sent outfielder Joc Pederson on a similar errand.
According to Sechrest, the rookie coffee run has become a rite of passage for first-year players across MLB. Earlier this year, the Houston Astros also documented their rookies taking orders in the clubhouse before heading out to pick up coffee.
Yesavage and Okamoto shine in rookie season
Despite Yesavage's pivotal role in the Blue Jays' World Series run last year, he remains officially a rookie and thus subject to hazing traditions. This season, Yesavage has posted a 3-3 record with a 3.76 ERA and 53 strikeouts over 55 innings. He did not pitch in Chicago and is scheduled to start Wednesday against the Houston Astros.
Okamoto, who played 10 years of professional baseball in Japan before joining the Blue Jays, has adapted quickly to North American play. He leads the team in home runs (16) and RBIs (45), and his 62 hits rank third on the club behind Ernie Clement and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Okamoto also ranks second in AL all-star voting for third base, trailing Tampa Bay's Junior Caminero by just over 28,000 votes as of the latest update.
Tradition continues across MLB
The coffee run is a lighthearted tradition that bonds rookies and reminds fans of the human side of professional athletes. As the Blue Jays continue their season, both Yesavage and Okamoto are proving that rookie status doesn't limit performance on the field.
