The Story Behind Yankees Pitcher Nasty Nestor Cortes' Jersey Number | Baseball

The Story Behind Yankees Pitcher Nasty Nestor Cortes' Jersey Number

New York Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes has become a fan favorite thanks to his nasty pitching arsenal and fun-loving attitude. But where did his nickname "Nasty Nestor" come from, and what's the story behind his unique jersey number?

The Origins of "Nasty Nestor"

Cortes originally joined the Yankees organization as a 36th round draft pick in 2013. After a few years in the minors, he made his MLB debut in 2018. However, his first stint with the big league club was short-lived.

After pitching just 7 innings for the Yankees in 2018, Cortes was designated for assignment. He was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles, but again struggled to stick in the majors. Over the next two seasons, Cortes bounced between four different organizations, including another brief return to the Yankees.

Heading into 2021, expectations were low for the left-handed Cortes. But he burst onto the scene with an impressive spring training, earning the nickname "Nasty Nestor" from YES Network broadcaster Michael Kay.

The nickname stuck thanks to Cortes' outstanding repertoire of pitching. Mixing upper 80s fastballs with a sneaky cutter, slider, curveball and changeup, Cortes carved up hitters. His funky delivery added deception, earning him comparisons to Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez.

Dominant Run Secures Spot in Yankees Rotation

Cortes began the 2021 season in the Yankees bullpen. But he was so dominant that he eventually forced his way into the starting rotation. In 93 innings, Nasty Nestor pitched to a 2.90 ERA with 103 strikeouts compared to just 38 walks.

The breakout performance secured Cortes a spot in the 2022 Yankees starting rotation entering spring training. He has delivered in an even bigger way this season.

Through the first half of 2022, Cortes boasted an outstanding 7-3 record with a 2.44 ERA. He earned an All-Star selection, with his unconventional delivery and arsenal keeping hitters off balance.

The Story Behind Cortes' Jersey Number 65

When Cortes returned to the Yankees in 2021, he decided to switch his jersey number from 67 to 65. The number change marked a new chapter in his career. So why 65?

Cortes explained that he chose the number to honor his father, also named Nestor. His dad was born in 1965, so it has special meaning for the family.

In addition, Cortes' Twitter handle is @Cortes_1210. The 12 represents his birthday (December 10th) and the 10 is a nod to his dad's 1965 birth year.

So while some players choose jersey numbers representing their childhood idols, Cortes' number selection honors his father and his year of birth.

Earning a Spot in Yankees Lore

In many ways, Nasty Nestor's rise to fame with the Yankees is an underdog story. He went from an unheralded 36th round draft pick to one of the best starters on a World Series contending team.

Along the way, Cortes has earned the respect and adoration of Yankees fans with his tenacity, creativity and sense of humor. His "Nasty Nestor" nickname and number 65 jersey are now staples for the Bronx Bombers.

If Cortes can maintain his dominance in the second half, he could help lead the Yankees on a deep playoff run. No matter what happens, the crafty lefty has cemented his place in New York baseball lore.

Years from now, Yankees fans will remember Nasty Nestor Cortes and his rise from obscurity to fan favorite. His jersey number 65 will be a reminder of his breakout years anchoring the Yankees rotation.

Key Takeaways on Nasty Nestor Cortes' Jersey Number

Here are some key points on Nestor Cortes' Yankees jersey number:

• Cortes switched to #65 in 2021 as a tribute to his dad's birth year of 1965
• His Twitter handle @Cortes_1210 also references his dad's birth date
• The number change coincided with Cortes' breakout season in 2021
• Cortes emerged as a fan favorite with his nasty pitching arsenal
• He earned the nickname "Nasty Nestor" from YES broadcaster Michael Kay
• Cortes has anchored the Yankees rotation in 2021 and 2022
• His jersey number helps represent an underdog making good in New York
• Number 65 has become iconic for Nasty Nestor and his Yankee lore

So while some players go the traditional route with jersey numbers, Cortes chose one deeply personal to him and his family. Number 65 will now forever represent his emergence as a nasty pitcher and fan favorite for the New York Yankees.

FAQs

What is Nasty Nestor Cortes' jersey number?

Nestor Cortes wears #65 for the New York Yankees. He changed to that number in 2021 from his previous #67.

Why did Nestor Cortes pick #65 as his jersey number?

Cortes chose #65 to honor his father's birth year of 1965. His dad is also named Nestor Cortes, so the number has special meaning for their family.

Where did the nickname "Nasty Nestor" come from?

"Nasty Nestor" was coined by YES Network broadcaster Michael Kay during spring training in 2021. It refers to Cortes' nasty pitching repertoire of cutters, sliders, curveballs and changeups that keep hitters off balance.