Yankees Ali Sanchez relishes first MLB home run: Living the dream

CHICAGO — As he rounded the bases Monday night at Rate Field, Ali Sánchez transported back to his hometown of Carora, Venezuela. The Yankees catcher had envisioned this moment “a lot” in his mind, but finally it had arrived in reality, in his fifth season and 75th game in the major leagues: his first home run.  Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees.“Literally a kid running the bases from Venezuela and living the dream,” Sánchez said of what was going through his mind after hitting a three-run shot in the Yankees’ 9-5 win over the White Sox. “You always dream to play in the big leagues and having your first homer with a Yankees uniform and getting the ‘W’ is special.” The 29-year-old journeyman, who debuted in 2020 with the Mets, picked a good time for his long ball.

There were two outs in the eighth inning, with the Yankees trying to build on a 6-4 lead, when Sánchez worked a full count and then turned on an inside fastball from lefty Sean Newcomb and lifted it just over the left field wall. “He’s contributed and works his tail off behind the plate, being able to learn the staff,” Max Fried said.“I was really happy for him.

It’s a long time coming, but really glad he was able to celebrate that.He deserves it.” The Yankees were able to retrieve the ball for Sánchez, who took a picture with the fans who caught it and signed a few balls for them.

The ball was already encased and sitting in his locker, though he said it would go to his parents’ house back in Venezuela. In a limited sample size, Sánchez has given the Yankees a lift against lefties, batting .333 with an .876 OPS in 28 plate appearances against them.He and Austin Wells have formed a solid platoon in recent weeks, with both making their impact felt. “Really cool,” manager Aaron Boone said.

“Everyone’s journey is different and there’s so many trem...