1. “Every pitch is another chance to prove myself.”
2. “Adversity taught me how to perfect that nasty slider.”
3. “Success on the mound starts with confidence.”
4. “The journey from a late-round pick to the big leagues wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.”
5. “Never underestimate the power of hard work and a little flair.”
6. “I may not be the tallest, but I’ll throw strikes all day long.”
7. “It’s not just about velocity, it’s about deception and control.”
8. “Crafting every pitch is my form of art.”
9. “Being overlooked gave me the fuel to outwork everyone.”
10. “The bullpen is my sanctuary, the mound is my stage.”
11. “Every inning is a new puzzle; my job is to solve it.”
12. “From Cuban roots to Yankee pinstripes, that’s my story.”
13. “Don’t let anyone define your limits but yourself.”
14. “Pitching isn’t just a job, it’s my passion.”
15. “Sometimes you have to bend, but never break.”
16. “I’ll take heart over height any day.”
17. “Facing adversity on the field made me stronger off it.”
18. “The bigger the challenge, the better the game.”
19. “Life throws curveballs; I’ve learned to throw them right back.”
20. “Isolation, rehab, grit—every step has its purpose.”
21. “Every pitch is a new beginning.”
22. “I wear 65 on my back, but there’s more than just a number behind me.”
23. “Thick skin and stubborn determination will get you a long way.”
24. “You can’t measure heart with stats.”
25. “Pressure is just another chance to shine.”
26. “Each pitch is a brushstroke on the canvas of the game.”
27. “An underdog story looks best in pinstripes.”
28. “When you’re always underestimated, over-delivering is routine.”
29. “The greatest satisfaction comes from proving people wrong.”
30. “I take the same pride in my windup as I do in my heritage.”
31. “Being crafty on the mound is my secret weapon.”
32. “No dream is too big when you’re wearing Yankee blue.”
33. “Outsmarting hitters is a game within the game.”
34. “I’ve learned more from tough innings than easy victories.”
35. “My journey is fueled by doubters and dreamers alike.”
36. “Strikeouts are great, but outsmarting a batter is priceless.”
37. “I carry my Cuban heritage into every game.”
38. “I don’t throw 100 mph, but my strike zone speaks volumes.”
39. “Perseverance is my best pitch.”
40. “I might change arm angles, but my goals are unwavering.”
41. “Every pitch tells a story—mine is about resilience.”
42. “Yankee Stadium isn’t just a park; it’s my proving ground.”
43. “Pitching in the Bronx is a dream come true.”
44. “For every setback, there’s a comeback.”
45. “My journey is about heart, not hype.”
46. “The joy of striking out a batter is unrivaled.”
47. “Late-round picks have dreams too.”
48. “Consistency is key, flair is a bonus.”
49. “I’m not just a pitcher; I’m an artist in cleats.”
50. “Every time I step on the mound, I represent Cuba and the Bronx.”
An Imaginary Discussion with Nestor Cortes Jr. and Aaron Judge
Nestor Cortes Jr.: Hey Aaron, have you ever thought about how different our paths were to the Yankees? I mean, you were a first-round draft pick, and I was over here grinding through the Rule 5 drafts and minor leagues just trying to get my shot.
Aaron Judge: Man, it’s wild, right? But that’s what makes your story so inspiring, Nestor. You hustled your way through, showed everyone you belong here. And look at you now, slicing up lineups with that crafty sidearm delivery of yours!
Nestor Cortes Jr.: (laughs) Crafty is the nice way to put it. I always say, if you can’t overpower ’em with heat, you gotta confuse ’em with movement. How about you though, Aaron? What’s it like dropping bombs and making it look so easy?
Aaron Judge: Easy? Man, I wish! But seriously, it’s about getting the little things right, staying disciplined. People see the home runs, but they don’t see the hours in the batting cage perfecting that swing.
Nestor Cortes Jr.: Oh, for sure. It’s those little adjustments, right? Like you probably don’t even think about it, but when you’re at the plate, do you ever notice my hesitation wind-up? You think that would throw you off?
Aaron Judge: (laughs) You know, as a hitter, we’re trained to pick up on every little detail, so yeah, it might. But let’s not forget, there’s nothing more satisfying than timing up a crafty wind-up and sending it into the stands. Sorry man, it’s just a hitter’s dream!
Nestor Cortes Jr.: (laughs) Hey, no offense taken! A pitcher’s nightmare, though. By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask – what’s your go-to pre-game hype song?
Aaron Judge: Oh, you know I’m all about the classics. Some Jay-Z, a little DMX to get the adrenaline flowing. What about you?
Nestor Cortes Jr.: I mix it up a bit – sometimes it’s reggaeton, other times it’s classic rock, depends on the vibe I need. But honestly, once I’m on the mound, all I hear is the crowd and my catcher’s glove. That’s my real hype music.
Aaron Judge: That’s the zone, man. Love it. Here’s to more victories and showing everyone the Yankees are coming in hot!
Nestor Cortes Jr.: Hell yeah, let’s get it! Yankees, all the way.
