After Years in the Minors, Yankees Rookie Ben Rice Honors His Late Father — A Firefighter Who Taught Him That True Strength Means Never Giving Up 👇

New York, NY – November 6, 2025
In a clubhouse filled with stars and veterans, one young Yankee has quietly captured hearts — not just with his bat, but with his story. Rookie catcher and first baseman Ben Rice, once a 12th-round pick out of Dartmouth, has become a symbol of quiet perseverance, carrying the strength of the man who shaped his will long before he ever stepped onto Yankee Stadium’s grass — his late father, Mark Rice.
After spending years in the minors, Rice finally earned his call-up to the Yankees midway through the 2025 season. Since then, he’s made every plate appearance count, hitting .276 with 8 home runs and 27 RBIs in 43 games. But beyond the numbers, it’s his unwavering spirit that’s earned the respect of his teammates.

“My dad never saw me make it here,” Rice said softly. “He passed from cancer during my sophomore year. But every time I step into the box, I feel like he’s right behind me, reminding me to keep fighting no matter what.”

Those who know Rice describe him as steady, humble, and deeply motivated — a player whose resilience mirrors the lessons his father taught him. His father, a firefighter in Massachusetts, spent years battling health complications tied to exposure during rescue operations but never complained.
“Watching him push through pain to help others — that’s where I learned what toughness really is,” Rice reflected. “It’s not about showing off strength; it’s about showing up when it matters.”
Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza praised Rice’s approach:

“He’s got that fighter’s edge — no excuses, no drama, just hard work. You can tell he plays for something bigger than himself.”

Though still adjusting to the intensity of major league life, Rice’s determination hasn’t wavered. Every swing, every inning behind the plate is a quiet tribute to the man who inspired his journey.

“When I walk onto that field and hear the crowd, I think about him,” Rice said. “He never quit on anyone. So I won’t quit on this game.”

As the Yankees chase another postseason run, Ben Rice has become more than a promising young bat — he’s a reminder of what the pinstripes truly stand for: grit, family, and the courage to keep getting back up.

Subtext:
After losing his father to illness, Yankees rookie Ben Rice has turned grief into motivation — honoring his father’s legacy through every swing and every inning in the Bronx.