David Bednar’s Journey to Yankees Closer: From Rejections to Success

NEW YORK, NY — David Bednar‘s rise to closer for the New York Yankees is a testament to his tenacity and hard work. Before becoming an All-Star with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bednar faced significant challenges that could have derailed his baseball dreams. In 2012, just before Halloween, 18-year-old Bednar trained on an empty high school field in Western Pennsylvania, holding out hope of playing Division I baseball.

Despite his aspirations, he was turned away by prestigious programs like Cornell and Villanova, with only a few Division II offers available. His fastball, which peaked at 88 mph, kept him out of the MLB draft spotlight. However, all that changed when Joe Kinney, head coach of Lafayette College, made a five-hour drive to scout him. Kinney offered him three-quarters of a full scholarship worth $45,000, which Bednar eagerly accepted.

At the time, he viewed this opportunity as a chance to further his education rather than a step toward Major League Baseball. But the rejection from bigger programs ignited a determination within him. “I think that established the initial chip on my shoulder,” Bednar recalled.

Bednar’s journey included being drafted in the 35th round and battling through the minor leagues, where he fought for recognition and success. Even after excelling in Pittsburgh, he faced a demotion to Triple-A. Despite these setbacks, the Yankees acquired him at the trade deadline, eyeing his potential as they geared up for the postseason.

Since joining the Yankees, Bednar has proved himself a vital asset in the bullpen. Sporting a 2.19 ERA with 10 saves in 22 appearances, he finished the regular season strong, earning a save in Game 162 against the Baltimore Orioles. His teammates and coaches commend Bednar’s mental fortitude and intensity during high-pressure situations.

“He doesn’t get scared,” bullpen coach Mike Harkey said. “He wants the ball every day.” Pitching coach Matt Blake emphasized Bednar’s strong skill set, noting his confidence and preparedness to handle high-leverage innings.

Off the mound, Bednar is an enthusiastic Pittsburgh Steelers fan, even choosing “Renegade” by Styx as his entrance music, which reflects his love for the game and its competitive spirit. “To get a little taste of it, getting big outs for your team is really special,” he said, expressing his eagerness to embrace the closer role in New York.

Bednar’s success reflects the lessons learned from early setbacks when he was rejected by various colleges. He trained hard at Lafayette, posted a 3.79 ERA in his senior season, and still holds squat records at the college. Drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2016, he has since evolved into a confident player capable of thriving in high-pressure situations.

Now, as a key player in the Yankees’ playoff strategy, Bednar reflects proudly on his journey from a no-name pitcher in Pennsylvania to where he stands today, an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.