For Ben Rice, it was a true return to his roots.
The Massachusetts native and lifelong Yankees fan made his debut with his Dream Team on June 18, playing Friday night at Yankee Stadium against his hometown team, the Red Sox, in a series he was eager to see play in.
“There’s definitely going to be some tension and a historic rivalry going on,” Rice said before Friday’s game, “so it’s going to be a really fun game.”
Rice, who signed with the Yankees as the 363rd overall pick in the 2021 draft, was called up to the major leagues after starting first baseman Anthony Rizzo was placed on the 60-day disabled list with a broken right hand.
Rice, 25, spent three years as a catcher in the minor leagues, but took over for Rizzo and immediately filled a gap in the personnel mix.
“I guess it was a full circle moment,” Rice said. “Growing up as a kid rooting for your team and then seeing your name actually come up on the screen after being drafted, knowing I was one step closer to the big leagues. It was an amazing moment. I’ll never forget it.”
Just 15 games into his major league career, the Dartmouth College product assumed the leadoff spot, with Anthony Volpe hitting sixth.
Rice hit his first major league home run, a solo homer to right field against the Reds on Thursday.
“This is something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid. What could be better than hitting a home run at Yankee Stadium on the Fourth of July?” he said.
Born and raised in Cohasset, Massachusetts, the Yankees aficionado said he’s “always been a big Derek Jeter fan” and attended several Red Sox games as a kid.
“All the Yankees-Red Sox games at Fenway were a lot of fun,” the first baseman said, “and they were always a highlight because I felt like I knew all the players. I knew the Yankees better than I knew the Red Sox.”
Rice’s family and friends also became Yankees fans.
“These days, even when they’re playing the Red Sox, every family is a Yankees fan,” Rice said. “There’s a lot of Yankees fans out there.”
Rice is batting .290/.389/.484 with five runs scored, three doubles and four RBIs.
“Overall, I liked his pulse, his facial expressions, his poise at the plate,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “I’m happy with what he’s seen and I’m looking forward to him having a presence in front of Juan.” [Soto] Aaron [Judge].”
