Not every baseball player’s path to the majors is paved with million-dollar signing bonuses or fast-tracked call-ups. Some have to grind through years in the minor leagues, working side jobs just to stay afloat. Hayden Senger knows that struggle all too well. Before he was suiting up for the New York Mets on Opening Day, he was stocking shelves at Whole Foods at 5 a.m., trying to make ends meet while chasing a dream that, at times, felt impossibly far away.
His story isn’t unique in baseball history, but it’s certainly rare in today’s game. J.C. Escarra, for example, spent years juggling jobs as an Uber driver and substitute teacher before finally earning a spot on the New York Yankees’ Opening Day roster. Go further back in time, and you’ll find Hall of Famers like Stan Musial and Willie Mays selling Christmas trees or cars in the offseason just to get by. Baseball has always had its share of underdog stories—players who refused to quit no matter how tough the road got.
Similarly, from a grocery store to the majors—that’s what defines Hayden Senger at the moment! The story of the catcher from Lakota East will surely bring smiles to people’s faces. But not just smiles; rather, he may be an inspiration to every baseball fan and enthusiast all over the world.
Hayden Senger has been playing in the minor leagues ever since his selection by the Mets. But it was insufficient for him to take care of his needs. And that’s the reason he started working at Whole Foods to earn some extra income. He used to start as early as 5 a.m., working four days a week while stocking the shelves. However, he didn’t stop dreaming as he continued to garner a lot of experience, and finally, his dream came true, as posted by Topps on the X handle.
When asked about whether he would like to continue working at Whole Foods, he made a funny comment, “Still up in the air.” This indicates how much it matters for him to be a part of the Opening Day roster of the New York Mets. It has been a dream come true for Senger, as he went on to say, “Mendy said, ‘I know what you do in the off-season,’ and he said, ‘I don’t know if you ever got a promotion there, but you got one here.” Senger mentioned the manager, Carlos Mendoza, who gave him the good news. As for him, the Mets wanted to get him as a backup to Luis Torrens after Francisco Alvarez’s exit due to an injury to his left wrist.
This has gotta be one of the BEST Opening Day stories ever…
Hayden Senger was drafted by the Mets in the 2018 Draft as part of the 24th round (a round that no longer exists).
During Senger’s 7 years as a minor leaguer, he appeared in over 400 games. To make some extra money… pic.twitter.com/SbyHb85R5Z
— Topps (@Topps) March 28, 2025
Well, success is always based on the amount of commitment, determination, and willingness to fall and rise again. And Hayden Senger showed it all. From being a mere catcher at Miami University to being included in the New York Mets’ Opening Day roster, he has certainly come a long way. Senger, soon to be 28 years old, had 400 minor-league games under his belt with the Mets’ system. He was selected by the Mets during the 24th round of the 2018 MLB draft, allowing him to play in the major leagues.
Senger made his debut finally on Thursday as a backup catcher, managing to strike out in his only plate appearance. However, the Mets conceded a 3-1 defeat against the Houston Astros. While wins and losses are part of the game, Hayden Senger’s story will undoubtedly inspire millions of people. However, his time might be limited once Alvarez makes his return, right?
Can Hayden Senger cement his spot on the Mets roster?
The New York Mets’ Hayden Senger hasn’t yet come out of his dream despite making his debut in the major league game. But of course, he still isn’t a permanent player on the team. Francisco Alvarez’s injury during the spring training paved the way for him to showcase his defensive skills as a catcher. Considering that the offensive ability is often limited for a backup catcher, the Mets finally made the call to include him in the roster, as Senger could do great behind the plate. The president of baseball operations for the Mets, David Stearns, also considered him an elite defensive catcher. That’s the reason he needs to prove himself as a catcher who could do wonders for the team. So, what happens when Alvarez returns?
Well, Francisco Alvarez is expected to return to the Mets in the middle or end of April. So, it’s up to him now how Senger performs during the big games. Senger spent most of his time with the Triple-A Syracuse, and in 2024, he slashed .252/.353/.402, scoring three home runs, 27 RBIs, 11 doubles, and one triple. So, the stage is all set now for him. As Hayden Senger has made his way into the 40-man roster prepared by the New York Mets, it would be much easier for him to prove his potential and make it to the Major League in the upcoming games, too.
What’s your take on Hayden Senger’s inspiring journey? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
The post From Stocking Shelves to Mets Dugout: Meet Hayden Senger Whose Inspiring MLB Opening Day Debut Is Going Viral appeared first on EssentiallySports.
