Quick Read
- Trey Yesavage played college baseball at East Carolina University (ECU) and was drafted 20th overall in 2024.
- He rapidly advanced through the minor leagues and made his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays in September 2025.
- In Game 5 of the World Series, Yesavage set a rookie record with 12 strikeouts over seven innings, walking none.
- His performance drew comparisons to legends like Sandy Koufax and broke several postseason records.
- Yesavage credits his college experience at ECU for preparing him for high-pressure moments.
Trey Yesavage’s Roots: College Baseball Beginnings
Long before Trey Yesavage took the mound at Dodger Stadium and rewrote World Series history, he was carving his path through the college baseball ranks at East Carolina University (ECU). Raised in Pennsylvania, Yesavage’s baseball journey began at Boyertown Area High School, northwest of Philadelphia, where his early promise was evident. But it was at ECU, in Greenville, North Carolina, that Yesavage truly blossomed as a pitcher, earning respect as an ace and laying the foundation for what would become a meteoric rise to the major leagues.
At East Carolina, Yesavage quickly became a focal point for the Pirates. His ability to command three pitches—a sharp fastball, a wicked splitter, and a deceptive slider—made him a standout in the competitive American Athletic Conference. By the spring of 2024, Yesavage’s performances in the Greenville Regional had scouts buzzing, and his confidence seemed to grow with each start. He wasn’t just overpowering hitters; he was methodically dismantling lineups, using both guile and raw ability.
For ECU fans, Yesavage’s name became synonymous with reliability. He had the poise of a veteran and the arm of a future pro, earning accolades and the respect of teammates and coaches alike. That summer, his college journey reached its apex when he was selected 20th overall in the Major League Baseball Draft. It was a moment that signaled the transition from promising amateur to professional prospect, but few could have predicted just how quickly his star would rise.
From Pirate to Pro: Rapid Ascent Through the Minor Leagues
After the draft, Yesavage made a conscious decision to rest his arm, opting out of summer pitching to prepare for the rigors of professional ball. By early 2025, he was ready, and the Toronto Blue Jays wasted little time advancing him through their farm system. Yesavage’s journey began at Single-A, but his maturity and skill set accelerated his ascent. Stops at High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A followed in swift succession, each level presenting new challenges and each time, Yesavage answering with poise and dominance.
His minor league stats painted the picture of a pitcher ready for the big stage. By mid-September 2025, Toronto called him up to the majors—a rare leap for a rookie so soon after the draft. The stakes were high; the Blue Jays were in the thick of a postseason push, and Yesavage was asked to contribute immediately. He made three regular season starts, followed by five postseason appearances, including two starts in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
It was a whirlwind for the former college ace. The transition from ECU’s Clark-LeClair Stadium to the bright lights of Rogers Centre and Dodger Stadium happened in the blink of an eye. But Yesavage brought the same determination and self-belief that had defined his college career, a trait he would soon showcase on baseball’s biggest stage.
Historic World Series Performance: College Lessons Come Full Circle
On October 29, 2025, Yesavage’s journey reached a zenith. In Game 5 of the World Series, the rookie right-hander delivered a performance for the ages: seven innings, 12 strikeouts, zero walks, and just three hits allowed. He set an MLB rookie record for strikeouts in a World Series game, surpassing Don Newcombe’s mark from 1949. The only blemish was a solo home run surrendered to Kiké Hernández, but outside of that, Yesavage was nearly untouchable.
His splitter, the pitch he refined at ECU, was devastating. He recorded 23 swings and misses, the most ever tracked in a World Series game since pitch tracking began in 2008 (FOX Sports). Every Dodgers hitter struck out at least once; MVP candidate Shohei Ohtani fell victim to Yesavage’s splitter, losing his helmet in the process—a moment emblematic of the rookie’s dominance.
What made Yesavage’s outing truly historic was the combination of strikeouts and control. He became the first pitcher in World Series history to record 12 strikeouts and walk none. Through five innings, he had already struck out 10, joining Sandy Koufax as the only pitchers to accomplish that feat in World Series history. His poise was remarkable; each inning, he looked more composed, more confident—a testament to the maturity he’d developed at East Carolina.
After inducing an inning-ending double play in the seventh, Yesavage’s emotional response—an emphatic yell and a gesture to his teammates—spoke volumes about his competitive spirit and gratitude for the support behind him. As he walked off the mound, FOX’s Joe Davis summed up the moment: “A World Series masterpiece from 22-year-old Trey Yesavage.”
College Ties: ECU’s Impact Beyond the Diamond
Yesavage’s World Series heroics weren’t just a personal milestone—they were a source of pride for East Carolina University and its baseball program. Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman, another former ECU Pirate, sealed the Game 5 win, giving ECU fans two alumni to cheer for on baseball’s biggest stage (247Sports). The college’s influence on Yesavage was clear. In postgame interviews, Yesavage credited his belief in himself, his teammates, and the lessons learned from his coaches at ECU for preparing him to thrive under pressure.
His rapid rise has inspired current ECU players and fans, serving as a tangible reminder of what’s possible with hard work and dedication. Coaches point to Yesavage’s journey as proof that the program can produce not just professional talent, but major league stars capable of shining when the lights are brightest. For Yesavage, the college experience was about more than honing his pitches; it was about building resilience, learning to trust his process, and embracing challenges head-on.
The Road Ahead: Legacy and Lessons
With the Blue Jays one win away from their first World Series title since 1993, Yesavage’s story is still unfolding. Whether or not he pitches again in this series, his Game 5 masterpiece has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest rookie performances in baseball history. For the Toronto faithful, his emergence is a beacon of hope—a reminder that youth, preparation, and self-belief can change the course of a franchise.
Back in Greenville, North Carolina, and Boyertown, Pennsylvania, Yesavage’s journey is celebrated by those who watched him grow. His story bridges the gap between college dreams and professional achievement, showing that the lessons learned on campus can echo all the way to the World Series. For aspiring athletes, Yesavage’s rapid ascent is both a blueprint and an inspiration, a testament to the value of perseverance and the power of believing in oneself.
Trey Yesavage’s journey from East Carolina University to the pinnacle of baseball serves as a powerful reminder: greatness is built not only on talent, but on the lessons, relationships, and resilience forged along the way. His World Series performance is more than a record—it’s a reflection of a collegiate foundation that prepared him for history.