2003 Yankees Postseason Hero Aaron Boone named teams 33rd manager
Yankees fans know him well and love him forever for hitting one of the most iconic home-runs in the history of the franchise to win Game Seven of the American League Championship Series over the rival Boston Red Sox in 2003.
The 44-year old Aaron Boone came over in a trade from the Cincinnati Reds during the 2003 season and was not re-signed for 2004 following an off-season injury he suffered playing pick-up basketball.
That led to the Yankees trading for Alex Rodriguez, but more on that some other time perhaps.
The Yankees third baseman had been in somewhat of a funk heading into Game Seven of the 2003 ALCS and was benched in favor of utility infielder Enrique Wilson whose numbers were better against Red Sox ace Pedro Martinez.
After a comeback later forced extra innings, Boone who had been put into the game earlier as a defensive replacement and pinch runner by manager Joe Torre, took the first pitch he saw from knuckleballer Tim Wakefield and hit it deep into the New York night.
Boone whose grandfather Ray, father Bob and brother Bret all played in the major's as well, spent 12-seasons in the big leagues before retiring following the 2009 season.
He then joined ESPN as an analyst, spending eight years doing so.
With reports coming out this past Friday of Boone's hire by the Yankees, the team made an official announcement Monday on a three-year deal with a team option for a fourth with their new skipper.
An introductory press conference is set for Wednesday at 12-noon.
He replaces Joe Girardi who just completed 10-seasons as Yankees manager.
Girardi's contract was not renewed following the 2017 season.
He won only one World Series (2009) in his tenure.
The now former skipper wishes only the best for his successor.
Boone takes over a team that fell one game short of the World Series in 2017 after losing to the eventual champion Houston Astros in seven games.
Most of the Bronx Bombers roster is returning and that of course includes a heap of young talent featuring A.L. Rookie of the Year Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, Greg Bird and Luis Severino with many more vying for a roster spot.
The Yankees are in a position to contend for multiple World Series titles over the next few years so Boone will have to keep them on task, develop the young players not just with their talent but as ballplayers and be able to handle such high team expectations.
The Yankees have not won a title since beating the Phillies in six games in 2009.
In addition to configuring a roster and starting jobs, he'll also need to work with General Manager Brian Cashman daily and that starts now with building a coaching staff capable of getting the Yankees to World Series title number 28.
The first coaching move was made Monday, bringing back Pitching Coach Larry Rothschild.
Boone will also need to fill every other coaching spot made vacant after last season.
Since that time third-base coach Joe Espada left to become Astros Bench Coach and Bench Coach Rob Thompson left to reportedly take the same position with the Phillies.
Here's more on the new hiring of Boone as manager.
What are your thoughts on the new manager Yankees fans or baseball fans? Let us know in the comments section below.
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