NEW YORK — George Lombard Jr. grew up in a big league clubhouse. He shadowed his father, George Lombard Sr., a six-year MLB veteran who has spent the past 11 years on a Major League coaching staff, including his current role as the Tigers’ bench coach.
That familiarity will help Lombard, who ranks as the Yankees’ top prospect, per MLB Pipeline. But it does not get in the way of the “pinch-me” sensation that accompanies a big league call-up.
Less than 24 hours after being promoted to the Major Leagues, Lombard sat in front of a backdrop of Yankees logos with a freshly-minted cap. With a smile, he tried to explain what felt surreal about this day.
“All of it,” the 21-year-old shortstop said. “I don’t think it will really settle in for a couple days. Being around it gives you that level of comfort, like, OK, you know what some stuff will be like. But being in it and actually doing it is different. It becomes real for the first time.”
Things will quickly become real on Tuesday night in the Bronx. Lombard is set to bat eighth and play shortstop for the Yankees against the Cardinals in his MLB debut. At 21 years and 63 days old, he is the youngest player to start at shortstop for the Yankees since Derek Jeter on June 11, 1995.
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