Sanchez 77

Marcus sells Humberto Sanchez T-shirts on the 2 train because that’s where he got the idea.

“I was on here after a Yankee game,” he explains. “I looked through the crowd and all I saw were names and numbers: Jeter 2, Rodriguez 13, Posada 20, Damon 18, Rivera 42, Abreu 53, Pettitte 46, Mussina 35, Cano 24, Wang 40…

“You know you’ve made it when people buy your T-shirts,” Marcus continues. “I saw a bunch of Chamberlain 62 T-shirts in September. If I’d seen that kid coming I could have made a few bucks.”

That’s when it hit him.

“I knew Humberto was coming,” Marcus says. “He had the elbow surgery so he’s been flying under the radar, but when he gets here it’s gonna be huge. He might be ever bigger than Joba because this is his home.”

Sanchez grew up just a few blocks from Yankee Stadium and came to his hometown team from the Tigers in the Gary Sheffield trade. He last pitched in this neighborhood for South Bronx High School.

“It will be something when he comes to the big ballpark,” Marcus says. “They think he could be ready around July and people are really excited about it.”

So Marcus talked to a guy at a bodega on Gerard Avenue who has a cousin that knows someone who deals in T-shirts.

“We started simple with just his name and number,” Marcus explains. “But I want to add a catchy line like: Joba Rules or Got Melky?

“That will come eventually,” Marcus reasons. “I’m not too worried because business is good. I guess Humberto has really made it.”

Sanchez 77 is on the 2 train.