Macko makes Jets history as the first to debut in MLB

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Vauxhall Advance

By Cole Parkinson
Vauxhall Advance

It’s been a long time coming, but May 18 saw a first for the Vauxhall Academy of Jets Baseball Academy. Former VAB left-handed pitcher Adam Macko was called from the bullpen to make his debut as a Toronto Blue Jay against the New York Yankees.

Under the bright lights of Yankee Stadium, Macko would pitch a clean inning and not allow any runs, hits, or walks in his appearance. The Blue Jays would ultimately fall to New York 7-6.

The Jays have run into some injuries out in the bullpen, and Macko was called up earlier this weekend. Despite not getting into a game against the Detroit Tigers, he had his number called on Monday night.

“It was kind of a last-minute thing. I was kicking myself that I didn’t go on Sunday, and then the tournament was rained out on Sunday, so that I could have gone, but he didn’t pitch, so maybe it was just meant to be right at the last minute,” said Les McTavish, head coach of the Jets. 

“One of our former players’ dads works for West Jet, and he ended up getting me a buddy pass, and we were able to get there. A good friend of mine is a Yankees scout, so he got us the tickets and then Carlin Dick, who was a teammate of his, and he actually lives with me, he jumped on the flight too. And then another former teammate of his, Ben Adams, works in New York, so he came to the game. It was just neat to experience it all. His mom and dad were there in Detroit, but they weren’t able to get to New York. So, it was just us and his fiancée, Victoria. Just happy that I got to experience it and be there for the first Jet because there’s only one first right?”

In Triple A with the Buffalo Bisons, Macko got into 13 games and pitched 18 innings. His earned run average (ERA) currently sits at 4.50, and his walks and hits per Innings pitched (WHIP) is 1.167. The lefty has 19 strikeouts and eight walks so far this season.

As the first Jet to make his debut in MLB, the team has seen its fair share of players walk through the halls of Vauxhall High School. Lots of great players have put on a Jets uniform, but seeing a former player put on an MLB jersey is extra special for the program.

“I’ve coached lots of guys that played, not in the big leagues, but were on the national team, but obviously it was the first Jet. So, it was certainly a surreal experience and something we’ll never forget,” added McTavish.

Looking back at his time in Vauxhall, McTavish wasn’t shocked to see Macko make it all the way to the show. Lots of hard work and even some luck is involved, but Macko was a special talent back in high school. He may not be a starter anymore, but moving to the bullpen has been good for the left-hander.

“No, I wasn’t shocked that he finally made it at all. You know, up until a year ago, I was convinced he was going to be a starter in the big leagues, and then they moved him into the bullpen last year. He’s been close for a little while, and he just kind of had the injury bug for the last couple of years and wasn’t able to stay healthy,” continued McTavish. “He’s the best of the best that came through our program, and hopefully it’s just the beginning.”

While the transition to the bullpen can be a big adjustment, Macko has taken it in stride. The routine had to be altered, but after some time, he’s really hit his stride.

“We have a really good relationship. Adam and I talked quite often, sometimes multiple times a week, and I think he was disappointed when it first happened, but he also understood and respected the fact that it was probably his quickest and clearest path to get to the big leagues. Everybody wants to start, but ultimately, you want to get there. He has talked about it over the last six months of being a reliever,  and it’s taken time for him to develop a routine. As a starter, you’re prepared to pitch all day. You have a whole different routine that you set up as a reliever,” explained McTavish. “It’s got to be quick, and it’s got to be efficient, so I think he even talked about it with the media in New York that it’s taking time. He has become efficient at getting loose and not leaving his bullets in the bullpen. You know how to be efficient and how to do it as quickly as you possibly can because ultimately, when they say get hot, you’d better get hot in a hurry. That’s a testament to him and the Blue Jays player development staff for preparing him for that moment.”