Jazz Chisholm Jr. was thriving in South Florida, but it was only after he became a Yankee that he blossomed into an unmatched game-changer. Becoming only the third player in franchise history to do so, the infielder recorded 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a single season. The historic feat came in a 4-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards on Friday night. And so, just some hours later, he voiced his true emotions about playing in the Bronx.

The 27-year-old is only the second 30/30 player so far this season. Before him, it was his former teammate, Juan Soto, who accomplished it. Chisholm Jr. had missed 28 games earlier in the season due to an oblique strain and also went through 39 games without a stolen base attempt because of a persistent groin issue. So, to still be able to reach the 30-30 mark is impressive.

Chisholm firmly believes that the Yankees have helped him reach new heights and is not willing to play anywhere else, ever: “I don’t want to leave New York: If you’ve ever played before here, you would never want to leave. It just depends on if they want me. That’s the difference. Do they want a 40-40 player? You tell me.” 40-40 is something that no Yankee has ever done. But Chisholm believes it’s within his reach. Speaking of the 30-30 record, it’s not just historic, it’s rare too. In the Yankees’ history, Barry Bonds was the first to achieve it in 1975, and it was followed by Alfonso Soriano in 2002 and 2003.

Then it was Chisholm, who, by the way, is in a good place with the Yankees. He believes the energy is unreal in the Bronx. With immense love from fans and his teammates, he’s motivated to play exceptionally every day.

Entering Saturday, Chisholm Jr. holds a .242 batting average, 30 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and 77 RBIs. Meanwhile, the Yankees, after losing to Baltimore on Friday, delivered a 6-1 comeback on Saturday.

The Yankees have only seven games left this season with an 87-68 record. On another note, Chisholm Jr., acquired from the Miami Marlins last July ahead of the Trade Deadline, wasn’t just as dominant in Miami.

Why couldn’t Chisholm Jr. find his footing in Miami?

Chisholm’s journey back during his days with the Marlins wasn’t smooth, mainly because he couldn’t connect with his teammates — particularly Miguel Rojas and Jesús Aguilar. Around that time, he was also viewed as the “most overrated player in MLB,” which certainly took a toll on him..

It translated to his being detached in the clubhouse. It’s completely the other way around for him in New York. Chisholm is loved by his teammates, and his bond with Aaron Judge, especially, has always been special. When Judge was asked about Chisholm recently, he said, “We can talk about what he does in the clubhouse all day, but I think it’s the energy he brings on the field.” That’s the contrast between how he is perceived in the Bronx and how he was perceived in Miami.

Moreover, after Chisholm’s 30-30 feat, he also pointed out what held him back in Miami. “I believed I was a 40-40 player. I don’t want to use it as an excuse, but when you’re around the energy you’re around, you’re forced to be that way—not really forced—but it just happens where you have to fight through that,” he said, per The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner. By expressing that he’s now around better energy, it was a subtle shot that, before landing in the Bronx, things were different.

Chisholm has been expressive of his bad experiences with the Marlins in the past as well. It was said that his personality was viewed as a problem in Miami. However, now that it’s in the past, he loves being a Yankee and could soon sign an extension.