Aaron Boone

Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone admired Giancarlo Stanton’s blast: ‘He’s a unicorn’

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New York Yankees, Giancarlo Stanton

The New York Yankees were able to get their second win of the young MLB season. It came yesterday in the series opener against the Baltimore Orioles, and the final score was 7-0.

When the game was still close, Yankees’ slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who was getting booed by a portion of the crowd, deposited a middle-middle pitch on the other side of the wall for a grand slam that broke the game open.

Upon punishing the ball at 115 miles per hour and sending it 471 feet away, Stanton took a couple of seconds to admire the beauty of the blast. The sound, the ball leaving the park in a hurry, the distance, the crowd. Everything.

Then, he tossed his bat and started his jog around the bases. The Yankees were up 6-0 at that point.

The Yankees were happy to see their slugger get that first hit

It was the eighth grand slam of Stanton’s career. “Sometimes there’s no sound — there’s not anything except you watching the flight of the ball,” he told MLB.com. “You don’t know anything else that’s going on, and it’s a very cool feeling. It’s hard to describe very specifically, but it’s kind of like a blacked-out zone and an in-sync feeling. You’ve got to enjoy it and make sure you have a nice finish on it.”

Before his majestic slam against Shawn Armstrong, Stanton was 0-for-10 in the young season, and some Yankees’ fans had enough, as difficult to believe as that sounds.

“The way he hits them, it’s just different,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “It’s like nothing else. He is a unicorn. That ball was so pure.”

Fellow Yankees’ slugger Aaron Judge was happy for his teammate. “You always want to get that first hit out of the way, you want to get the first RBI and the first home run,” Judge said. “When you get it off your back, now it’s time to go. I don’t think mine went as far as Big G’s, but wherever they go, they still count.”

New York Yankees: 7 Yankee player injury updates

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zack britton, yankees

Since the beginning of spring training, the New York Yankees have been blessed with no major injuries to keep players out for the whole season. Although that is good news compared to the last two seasons, the Yankees have not been unscathed. Here are the most recent updates on the Yankee injured players.

Clarke Schmidt:

Schmidt vying for a place in the starting rotation, was hit early in spring training with bad news on that front. He was the first Yankee to suffer an injury in spring training. Schmidt suffered a common extensor strain. No matter how common he will miss significant time. Aaron Boone said that he is making satisfactory progress over the weekend but is still at least a week away from starting to throw again. Once he starts that, a better prediction can be made when he will pitch against live batters.

Zack Britton:

There have been quite a few minor injuries to players this spring training, but nothing compared to the last two seasons. The most devastating blow to the New York Yankees was when Zack Britton developed soreness in his elbow after a bullpen session. He had an MRI, and it was determined that surgery would be necessary to remove a bone chip from this throwing elbow.

This is particularly devasting due to the loss of Tommy Kahnle to the Dodgers. The Yankee did acquire Darren O’Day to ease the loss of Kahnle, but it made Britton’s role in the bullpen even more important as he would be the key setup man for Aroldis Chapman, even closing some games. Although it is unclear, the surgery is expected to occur today in New York by team surgeon Dr. Christopher Ahmad. He will be shut down for a month to six weeks and will have to build back up, making his return to the team sometime in late May or June.

Luis Severino:

Severino pitched in only three games in 2019 ( ERA 1.50) before needing Tommy John surgery; he lost the rest of the season and all of 2020. Now rehabbing, he is expected to rejoin the team in June or July. The recent reports on his progress are encouraging. Over the weekend, Severino, who has been throwing off the flat, took his first pitches off the mound. Bullpen coach Harkey said that Severino has been “working his tail off” to get back to form. Harkey believes he will be 100% upon his return.

Michael Beltre:

Beltre left Friday’s game against Pittsburgh with a hamstring injury, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reported. The severity of the injury is not known as he consults with team doctors. Beltre posted a .637 OPS in the minors in 2019. So far this season, he had a hit in 11 plate appearances hoping to make the team. Rehab time for hamstring injuries is hard to predict. He could be back next week, or his spring training could be over; it sometimes takes a couple of months to recover fully according to the injury’s severity.

Robinson Chirinos:

With the loss of backup catcher Erik Kratz to retirement, the Yankees needed another catcher. They solved that with the signing of veteran catcher Robinson Chirinos. He has been playing and catching well, but now all his plans are on hold due to getting hit by a pitch last Wednesday. He is consulting with specialists to determine if he will need surgery. If he does, he will be out for some time.

Miguel Andujar:

In May of 2019, Andujar had season-ending surgery on his shoulder for the budding Yankee star. The Yankees needed a replacement at the hot corner, and they brought up Gio Urshela to fill in, a move that would prove unfortunate for Miguel. Urshela was so good he became the Yankees’ permanent third baseman. Last season he fought his way back even though the Yankees had no place for him, and that continued this spring training as he tried to gain a spot in the lineup. All of that is in question with an odd wrist and hand soreness that has become more intense in spring training. Now he is enlisting the services of a hand specialist. With this type of injury, there is no way to tell how long he will be away from the team.

Aaron Boone:

Over the offseason and particularly at the beginning of spring training, New York Yankee manager Aaron Boone felt punk, just not right. At the start of spring training, Boone noticed bouts of being tired and labored breathing. He consulted with doctors, and it was determined that his heart was beating too slowly and would require a pacemaker to correct the deficiency. In his second week with the pacemaker, the good news is that he back with the team and is feeling great, better than in years.

Although not injured, I have to mention that the New York Yankees have to be encouraged that both Corey Kluber and Jameson Taillon seem very healthy and are performing as advertised. The Yankees took a big risk, hiring Kluber and trading for Taillon; both had not pitched for over a year due to injury and surgery.

New York Yankees: “Oh no, cuts are on the way”

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New York Yankees, Aaron Boone

For all 75 New York Yankee players at spring training, cuts are coming as the team whittles down to just 26 roster players. As many as 75 of them have one thing in common they hope to make the club, but the reality is that most of them won’t and face an uncertain future. Some clubs have starting cutting players already; the Yankees have not. Manager Aaron Boone said he wasn’t sure how cuts would work, although the club runs a parallel spring camp with some pitchers off-site at the player development complex.

The dreaded cut has changed over the years; back in the day, a player would return to his locker and find a red tag on it. That was the unceremonial way they found out; they cleaned out their locker and left. Today the cut method is far less harsh. You might get a tap on the shoulder and be escorted into the manager’s office. There would likely be a coach or two present. Besides being cut, they are often instructed what skills to continue to develop. But the result is the same, here one day and gone the next. That’s almost 50 closed-door meetings, 50 reassuring conversations, 50 sets of marching orders, often with the feel of an old Alfred Hitchcock movie.

If it’s a Major Leaguer that is being cut, it’s a bit more complicated. GM Brian Cashman or assistant GM Jean Afterman would also be in on the meeting to answer questions and take abuse from the exiting player. Aside from wanting to make the team, players also want to delay being cut as long as possible. While in spring training, as long as they stay in major-league camp, they receive major-league meal allowances. For 2021, a New York Yankee player who doesn’t make his year-round home in the Tampa metroplex is entitled to a weekly allowance of $345.50, a supplemental weekly allowance of $61.50, a daily room allowance of $40, and a daily meal and tip allowance of $98. These may not be the exact amounts but are representative as each team is a bit different.

One oddity of the cut season is that players often can’t be found; they may be hiding, in the parking lot, or just not around. But they will be found. Some may be elusive on Mondays because that’s when many cuts are made to avoid another week’s stipend. For some players reassigned, there will be no place to go. Minor-league camps won’t open until April 1, after the major-league club departs to open the season.

Some players that are cut will be assigned to alternate sites; some will be cut with nowhere to go or will join the unemployment line. But there will be valid reasons for teams to reassign or option players in the coming days. One example: Players who are optioned on or before March 16 can continue to participate in exhibition games until the end of the spring. But if they haven’t been optioned by that date and sustain a disabling injury in an exhibition, teams would be forced to place them on the major-league injured list; and pay them a major-league salary.

As difficult as this is for managers, there is a flipside. They also get to hand out the good news to players, getting to tell a Double or Triple-A player that his dream has come true, and he would be able to stand on that chalk line on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium.

New York Yankee News: Boone to return Sunday? Yankees play the Pirates today and more

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New York Yankees, Jameson Taillon

On the evening of March 3, New York Yankee manager Aaron Boone had heart pacemaker surgery, just hours after alerting the team that he was taking medical emergency leave. Boone had been feeling a lack of energy, some lightheadedness, and bouts of labored breathing. He consulted with doctors, and they told him his heart rate was too slow and that he would need a pacemaker to fix the problem.

The surgery was completed at Tampa’s St. Joseph Hospital without complications. Boone was sent home 24 hours later. When he woke up the day after the procedure, he said he felt better than in months. He said Friday he felt even better. Boone went to the ballpark but only as far as the parking lot to have the required Covid protocol testing after being in the hospital. He said that he could be back with the club on Saturday, but being an away game, it would more likely be Sunday back at Steinbrenner Field.

Yankees to play the Pirates today

The New York Yankees will travel 50 miles south today to Bradenton, Florida, to play the Pittsburgh Pirates. It will be the first time in spring training that the Yankees will face the Pirates. With coronavirus still a factor during this spring training, the Yankees will only face the Florida West Coast teams: the Pirates, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Detroit Tigers, and the Toronto Blue Jays. Today’s game at 1 pm will not be televised.

During the offseason, the Yankees traded for Pirate’s starter James Taillon. Ironically today’s Yankee starter will be James Taillon in his second start of the season, this time against his old team.  On March 1, he pitched masterfully in his inning, putting down the Tiger side in one two three fashion using only seven pitches. It’s a small sample; the Yankees will be observing the starter as he comes back from his second Tommy John surgery. So far in spring training, the Yankees are impressed.

Today he will face Pirate’s pitcher Cody Ponce. Yankee ace Gerrit Cole and James Taillon were teammates together in 2016, 2017, and in the minor leagues. Taillon knows almost all of the Pirate’s hitter he will face today. Check back with EmpireSportsMedia.com for the game recap.

Yankees look good, but questions linger

After a long offseason of discontent, the Yankees have solved most of their major problems, and in spring training, so far they look pretty good, mostly good pitching, and many of the hitters have gotten off to a good start, including last years batting champ DJ LeMahieu who was signed to a six-year contract that will most likely see him retire as a New York Yankee. However, some questions have so far gone unanswered.

The major one is who will anchor the pitching rotation? Ace Gerrit Cole will lead the rotation, followed by Corey Kluber, James Taillon, and Jordon Montgomery. Those contending for that fifth spot are Domingo German, Deivi Garcia, Jhoulys Chacin, and even Nick Nelson. Clarke Schmidt would also be in the conversation, but he is injured. Right now, German has the edge as he pitched two perfect innings. Garcia gave up two runs in as many innings.

Another pitching question is how manager Aaron Boone and pitching coach Matt Blake limit innings for the starting rotation to remain fresh. It will be a challenge as the team builds up the pitchers to pitch a 162 game season compared to only 60 games last season. Also, Kluber, Taillon, and German didn’t pitch at all last season.

Another question is can Gary Sanchez and Gleyber Torres return to All-Star form? Although it’s really early in spring training, the signs are encouraging. Sanchez had two homes in just this week. Torres had a homer of his own, and there have been no complaints at shortstop.

One of the biggest questions will not be answered until the end of the season or during the postseason. That question is can Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton stay on the field for 140 games together. If they can, the New York Yankee lineup will be one to contend with and could be the key to a Yankee 28th World Championship.

 

 

New York Yankees: Aaron Boone feels ‘ready to go’ after surgery

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New York Yankees, Aaron Boone

In the middle of the week, New York Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone had to endure a scary moment when he learned he needed surgery to insert a pacemaker. After all, he did have heart issues in the past and it felt like the perfect time to do it knowing that the team’s bench coach, Carlos Mendoza, would take good care of the squad in his absence.

He had the surgery on Wednesday, and amid slow, rest-filled days, he says he feels ready for a new chapter. Boone is already feeling better and wants to return to the New York Yankees.

In fact, according to Bill Ladson of MLB.com, Boone found himself back at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla., on Friday, just a couple of days after the procedure. He is dealing with the COVID-19 intake process.

The Yankees’ manager hopes to be back in a couple of days

The Yankees’ skipper says he hopes to be in the dugout within the next couple of days, and he feels better than he did pre-surgery. Per Ladson, “he felt lightheadedness, fatigue and shortness of breath. It didn’t help that Boone had a low heart rate, either. Now, though, it’s a different story. As he put it, he and his “new buddy” — the pacemaker — are doing fine.”

“The last couple of months have not felt anywhere close to how I felt this morning, even yesterday morning getting out of the hospital,” Boone said. “I’m really excited about it, really excited to get back, but I just really wanted to extend my gratitude to everyone.”

Back in 2009, during his playing days, Boone underwent open heart surgery to replace an aortic valve.

“I feel ready to go and ready to tackle things. And honestly, sitting here, it’s different a couple of days ago and the last few months,” Boone said.

New York Yankees News roundup while Aaron Boone recovers

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Some New York Yankee fans don’t pay attention to what goes on in spring training and don’t get engaged until the regular season games that count get started. But even those fans must have heard the shocking news the Yankees skipper Aaron Boone required surgery to have a pacemaker installed to keep his heart beating normally. Boone had the surgery late on Wednesday at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida.

Reports are that the surgery was completed as expected and without complications. Reports were that Boone was resting comfortably. It was said he even chatted with the team from his hospital bed via Zoom. Boone had open heart surgery back in 2009, and because of that, he has been proactive about his health. During the past week, he said he experienced bouts of lightheadedness and shortness of breath. Because of that, he consulted with doctors who determined Boone’s heart was beating too slowly and that a pacemaker would be necessary to correct that.

In most cases, the patient will go home after 24-48 hours of hospitalization. Depending on the type of Pacemaker installed, he could be back to work at the Yankee training complex over the weekend, but it will be more likely at some point next week. Because Boone’s job is not that strenuous, he should be able to resume normal activities as long as he avoids lifting, pushing, and pulling anything heavy. He should be able to resume his normal life totally in 4-6 weeks.

Mike Ford still confident

Mike Ford hit his first extra-base hit Tuesday afternoon against the Baltimore Orioles. He said it felt good, especially after performing poorly in the 2020 campaign. Ford knows he will have to compete for playing time this year as the New York Yankees have picked up two veteran lefties during the offseason. The Yankees acquired Jay Bruce and Derek Dietrich; the catch for Ford is that the two veterans also play at first base, as does Ford.

“I always try to perform, especially when I’ve got a little chip on my shoulder,’’ Ford said Wednesday. “There’s great competition here with a lot of experience. Who knows where the chips are gonna fall?”

Bruce, who had made a running catch in the left-field already this spring, looked sharp at first base in Wednesday’s 4-1, seven-inning win over the Blue Jays. He also added two hits, including a double. Dietrich, who played third base on Wednesday, also hit his first homer of the spring.

Brett Gardner returned to left field

Wednesday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the Yankee fans in attendance saw an old friend out in the left-field, Brett Gardner. Gardner, the last holdover from the 2009 World Series, languished most of the offseason as the Yankees handled more important re-signings and acquisitions. The Yankees at the end of the season bought out Gardner’s contract rather than take up his $10 million option.

Finally, just days before the start of spring training, the Yankees and Gardner came to an agreement allowing the fan-favorite to return for yet another year with an option for the 2022 season. Gardner has always said he wants to retire as a Yankee. But last season was an odd one with the coronavirus and no fans in the stands. Gardner said he wants to be able to have his family see him play again. On his first at-bat Wednesday, he walked.

Darren O’Day on Darren O’Day

Darren O’Day threw live batting practice on Tuesday at the Yankees minor league complex, immediately after batters had faced Aroldis Chapman. O’Day acquired during the offseason will give a different look to the bullpen with his side-arm delivery. Chapman throws at 100 mph, O’Day is just at 85 mph, but he counts on deception to get hitters out.

“You can’t really quantify deception, but it’s a valuable tool to have,’’ O’Day said. “To have different looks. Just messing with the hitters’ timing [is important],’’ O’Day said. “The more we can do to disrupt that timing, the more outs we’re going to get.”

The right-hander is ready to contribute in various roles; he said that manager Aaron Boone would use him at any point in the game, much like he said Buck Showalter used him in Baltimore. O’Day pointed to Showalter using his relievers to get “four, five six outs a night.”

“We had a great relationship,’’ O’Day said. “I really enjoyed playing for him, especially the early years in Baltimore when the team was pretty much the doormat of the league for a long time. We kind of brought the nice baseball tradition back there.”

New York Yankees overtake the Jays 4-1

The Yankees were back at Steinbrenner Field yesterday after their win over the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota. The game yesterday was an unusual spring training night game. The first time fans got a look at Corey Kluber in a Yankees uniform, and he didn’t disappoint.

Kluber started for the New York Yankees facing the Toronto Blue Jay’s Simeon Richardson. Corey Kluber was magnificent in his first inning in pinstripes. Kluber retired the first three hitters he faced in order, ending the frame with a pretty strikeout of Rowdy Tellez. In the second inning, Kluber looked really good, folks. He struck out two more Blue Jays to finish off two perfect frames.  This performance is wonderful news for the Yankees.

Also making their first appearance of spring training were Brett Gardner and Giancarlo Stanton. After four innings, the game remained scoreless, with Luis Cessa on the mound for the fifth. Josh Palacios doubled off Cessa, but Warmoth struck out; Valero singled, scoring Palacios for the game’s first run. Blue Jays 1 Yankees 0.

At the bottom of the frame, Gary Sanchez again showed off his power, homering and tieing up the game at 1-1. That was followed by Derek Dietrich’s home run driving in two for the Yankees 3-1 lead. It looked as if it would be the first 9 inning game of spring training when the Yankees took the field in the bottom of the seventh, but as it turned out the Jays manager just wanted to get more work for his pitchers. It wasn’t a good decision. The game ended at the end of the seventh, but not before Robinson Chirinos homered to far left for the Yankee 4-1 lead.

 

New York Yankees: Aaron Boone’s surgery successful will return soon

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New York Yankees, Aaron boone

The New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone had open-heart surgery in 2009. Since then, he has been monitoring his health carefully. When he noticed this week that he felt lightheaded and short of breath, he immediately contacted doctors. Doctors found that his heart was beating more slowly than optimal. After discussions with Boone, doctors decided that a pacemaker should be implanted in Boone. Boone took an immediate emergency leave from the Yankees.

The procedure was undertaken last night at St. Joesph’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida, and went without a hitch. Boone could be back with the team as early as this weekend with no complications, but more likely early next week. Boone, before the procedure, said:

“My faith is strong, and my spirits are high. I’m in a great frame of mind because I know I’m in good hands with the doctors and medical staff here at St. Joseph’s Hospital. They are confident that today’s surgery will allow me to resume all of my usual professional and personal activities and afford me a positive long-term health prognosis without having to change anything about my way of life. I look forward to getting back to work in the next several days, but during my short-term absence, I have complete trust that our coaches, staff and players will continue their training and preparation at the same level as we’ve had and without any interruption.

“I also want to take this opportunity to remind all those dealing with heart issues to remain vigilant in your care and to reach out to your doctor should you have any symptoms of discomfort or trouble. Any issue involving the heart has the potential to be serious. Staying on top of your health is always the first and most important thing you can do for yourself and your family.”

Boone being proactive, will be back with the team as soon as possible, and it will probably be sooner than later. He has already been in contact with the team Via Zoom from his hospital bed after the procedure. Boone, who turns 48 next week, is entering his fourth season as the New York Yankees manager. In three seasons, he’s led the team to a record of 236-148 (.615) and an 11-10 record in postseason play. That span includes one AL East title and playoff berth each season.

With the excellent coaching staff and bench coach Carlos Mendosa, the Yankees will hardly notice that he is gone. But you can be sure that Boone will be back with the Yankees before you know it.

New York Yankees: Aaron Boone, what are the implications of his surgery?

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New York Yankees, Aaron Boone

The New York Yankee manager, Aaron Boone, learned today that he had to have a pacemaker installed for his heart. Boone took immediate emergency leave from the team. Many know that Boone had open heart surgery back in 2009 and has kept close tabs on his condition since then. Recently he has felt some lightheadedness and seemed to be zapped of his strength. He consulted with doctors, and they informed him that his heart was beating slower than optimal. The heart pumps blood to the body; it also pumps oxygen; if the body doesn’t get enough oxygen, then the body often responses with Boone’s symptoms.

Many of you who have heard this news or are reading about it will be wondering what effect this will have on the New York Yankees. The answer is probably not much. Boone has a staff of competent coaches. If Boone has surgery, actually, it’s more of a procedure; today, he will likely go home tomorrow night or the next morning as long as there are no complications. He could be back with the team as early as next week.

I speak with a little authority as I have had the same procedure. The pacemaker is an electrical device inserted under the skin, usually in the left upper chest area. The device has wires that are attached to the heart and regulate the heartbeats. Newer models even detail motion and demands as your activity increases and decreases and automatically speeds up the heart to meet demand. There are three types of pacemakers, and all three have different recovery times. It is unknown what type Boone will have inserted.

Simply put, all three devices have insulated wires that are attached to your heart. The unit is run by batteries that usually last about seven years. The patient will normally have an echocardiogram for the surgeon to determine how your heart pumps and the best places to attach the wires; it will also determine the type of pacemaker to be installed. The procedure is relatively fast, and the incision will be glued shut.

As I said, Boone could very well be back at the job of leading the Yankees as early as next week. He will not have many limitations as he is not playing a body contact sport, playing golf, tennis, or swimming. He will have some restrictions for up to six weeks. He will not be allowed to lift heavy objects and will be asked to avoid pushing or pulling motions. The only long-term annoyance associated with the pacemaker is that he most likely will not make it through metal detectors at airports.

As far as the team is concerned, Boone will be able to carry out all his normal activities, although he probably will avoid pitching demonstrations. Just a couple of weeks into the regular season, Boone should resume his life as normal. Also of interest is that his pacemaker will be attached to the Internet. The pacemaker “talks” to a monitor in his home, and that monitor transmits any abnormalities in his heart function to his doctor’s office or monitoring station.

 

BREAKING: Yankees’ skipper Aaron Boone taking immediate medical leave of absence

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New York Yankees, Aaron Boone

As per the Yankees media:

“As many of you know, I underwent open-heart surgery in 2009, and I wanted everyone to understand where I’m at regarding the procedure that’s taking place today,” said Boone. “Over the last six-to-eight weeks I’ve had mild symptoms of lightheadedness, low energy and shortness of breath. As a result, I underwent a series of tests and examinations in New York prior to the beginning of spring training, including multiple visits with a team of heart specialists. While the heart checkup came back normal, there were indications of a low heart rate which, after further consultations with doctors in Tampa, necessitates a pacemaker.

“My faith is strong, and my spirits are high. I’m in a great frame of mind because I know I’m in good hands with the doctors and medical staff here at St. Joseph’s Hospital. They are confident that today’s surgery will allow me to resume all of my usual professional and personal activities and afford me a positive long-term health prognosis without having to change anything about my way of life. I look forward to getting back to work in the next several days, but during my short-term absence, I have complete trust that our coaches, staff and players will continue their training and preparation at the same level as we’ve had and without any interruption.

“I also want to take this opportunity to remind all those dealing with heart issues to remain vigilant in your care and to reach out to your doctor should you have any symptoms of discomfort or trouble. Any issue involving the heart has the potential to be serious. Staying on top of your health is always the first and most important thing you can do for yourself and your family.”

Per managing partner Hal Steinbrenner:

“The thoughts of the entire organization are with Aaron and his family as he undergoes this procedure and takes the time he needs to properly heal,” said Yankees Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner. “Aaron leads our players, coaches and staff with a rare combination of work ethic, intelligence and a genuine concern for others. Our only priority at this time is Aaron’s health and well-being, and we will support him in every way throughout his recovery.”

We here at Empire Sports Media wish Boony well and have him in our hearts as he recovers from this scary situation.

New York Yankee Manager profile: Aaron Boone will his contract be extended?

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New York Yankees, Aaron Boone, Brian Cashman

The New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone was a baseball player for twelve years, mostly with the Cincinnati Reds. During the last half of the 2003 season, he famously played 52 games for the Yankees. Boone became a Yankee star when the 2003 Red Sox won the sixth game of the ALCS forcing a game seven.

Tim Wakefield pitched a scoreless tenth for Boston and in the bottom of the 11th faced Aaron Boone, who had entered earlier as a pinch-runner. On Wakefield’s first pitch of the inning, Boone launched a walk-off home run into the left-field seats of Fenway Park.   ALCS MVP Rivera running to the mound and collapsing on it in joy, Boone jumping on home plate, and Rivera being carried off on his teammates’ shoulders as the Yankees won the ALCS. Boone was forever entered into Yankee’s lore.

After the 2017 season and loss to the cheating Houston Astros (not known at the time), the New York Yankees decided it was time for a managerial change. Joe Girardi, who brought the Yankees to their last World Series win, did not renew his contract. The Yankees searched for a new manager, interviewing several prospects. Considered for the job was Girardi’s 10-year veteran Rob Thompson, Eric Wedge, who worked in the front office of the Blue Jays, Hensley Meulens, a hitting coach, and Aaron Boone. The Yankees ended choosing Boone and gave him a four-year contract.

Yankees fans, upon learning of the hiring, said Aaron, who? Boone had no managerial experience and was only known for hitting the walk-off homer in 2003. Most fans thought the Yankees should have kept Joe Girardi, but the Yankees wanted a manager that could better communicate with younger players and was not as strict as Girardi.

In the eyes of New York Yankee fans, Boone had some pretty big shoes to fill. The Yankee brass claimed that one of the main factors in his removal, besides his overbearingness, was that he didn’t communicate well with the young players. This was the same manager who brought a young Miami Marlins team that nothing was expected of to fourth place in the National League and was named Manager of the Year in 2006. The first time a Manager of the Year was ever awarded to a manager of a fourth-place team.

It wouldn’t take long to gain some faith in Boone and his approach to management. Boone and the team won 100 games in 2018. At the end of the season, the Yankees won their Wild Card games against the Athletics but lost the divisional series against the Red Sox. In 2019 Boone bettered his record and won 103 games and the AL East. In the postseason, they swept the Minnesota Twins in the divisional series. They went on to the ALCS against the Houston Astros but again excited early in losing to the Astros.

Still, Boone was praised for bringing the team to the postseason with unprecedented injuries. Fast forward to the 2020 coronavirus season when injuries again plagued the Yankees. The Yankees would lose the East to the Tampa Bay Rays. But in the expanded playoffs, the Yankees got a berth in the Wild Card Series sweeping the Cleveland Indians. The Yankees would have to face their foe in the south, the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS. The Yankees lost again.

With their third early exit in a row from the postseason, many began to question Boone’s leadership, at least in the postseason. Boone is now in the last year of his contract, and a contract extension was in question. Maybe in the eyes of the fans, but not so with the Yankee front office. General Manager Brian Cashman made it known he wants Boone to be the manager for the next ten years.

With the New York Yankees’ full faith and a new rotation of pitchers to work with, Aaron Boone will have a chance to prove that Cashman’s faith in him was warranted. The Yankees probably have the best chance of advancing this season than they have had in several years. If Boone fails to win the division that has several weakened teams or has another early exit in the postseason, we may again be having this discussion.