Every time Dominican pitcher Jefry Yan gets a strikeout, Major League Baseball screens witness an acrobatic ritual filled with pure euphoria. The New York Mets reliever surprised fans by performing a wide-legged leap in midair before hitting the mound after striking out his opponent.

Not long ago, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in his debut at the legendary Citi Field, the Dominican major leaguer executed this move and unleashed pandemonium among Mets fans, even though they were losing 4-3 to the Washington Nationals.

Behind every leap lies a story marked by more than twelve years of perseverance. Jefry Yan had to pause his professional baseball career to undergo Tommy John surgery and endure challenging periods where he alternated morning workouts with odd jobs in roofing and delivery services. For this reason, when he manages to strike out a batter on the biggest stage in professional baseball, the leap represents the release of emotions accumulated throughout his journey.

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Origin of "The 99th Sentence": Much More Than Just a Celebration

This particular celebration didn't originate in the Major Leagues. Throughout his time in the Minor Leagues, the Japanese League (NPB), and winter ball in the Dominican Republic, Jefry Yan made the leap his signature move.

The sequence is unmistakable; After freezing the batter with his slider, he leaps up fiercely, drops to his knees, slaps the grass, and throws his arms to the sky before returning to the dugout. For the Caribbean left-hander, this expression is the pure essence of his dedication on the field.

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"I've always been like this. I've always been a very energetic, very cheerful guy who likes to have fun in the game and enjoy his moment," Yan said during an interview with MLB.com.

The pitcher also bases his stance on the equality of emotions within the game. He believes that if hitters can celebrate their home runs with exuberant gestures, relief pitchers have every right to express the joy of overcoming a pressure situation on the mound.

Respect for his style on the big stage

During his August 5th appearance against the Cleveland Guardians, the 29-year-old left-hander struck out pinch hitter Ángel Martínez with an 88.7 MPH slider to open his strikeout tally. He immediately unleashed his trademark jump in front of the spectators. Although the reaction from the home crowd generated some boos, the Dominican made his position clear regarding the atmosphere.

"If they want to yell at me, if they want to boo me, they can do whatever they want. I'm in my zone. And yes, I'm going to enjoy my game the way I want," Yan said through an interpreter in statements reported by FOX Sports.

In addition, Jefry Yan is already establishing his own identity within Major League Baseball. His move isn't a provocation to the rival, but rather a family and personal tradition that reminds him of the path he traveled to wear the uniform in the best baseball league in the world.

Who is Jefry Yan?

Jefry Yan is a Dominican left-handed pitcher born on August 17, 1996, in San Rafael del Yuma. He is recognized for his perseverance after overcoming Tommy John surgery and several years away from organized baseball, where he worked as a roofer.

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His professional career spans stints in the Minor Leagues, the Dominican Winter League (LIDOM), and Japan's National Baseball League (NPB) with the Saitama Seibu Lions, culminating in his long-awaited Major League debut with the New York Mets in August 2026.

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