httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfN_NGC2RDM
The Yankees have chosen Boone to replace Joe Girardi as manager, the News first reported.
Boone, 44, who catapulted the Bombers to the World Series in 2003 with his iconic walk-off homer in Game 7 of the ALCS against the Red Sox, is said to have been the most polished candidate of the group.
Brian Cashman had been intrigued by Boone, who was serving as a baseball television analyst at ESPN. He has no previous managerial or coaching experience, but clearly impressed team brass during his interview.
Cashman recommended Boone to Hal Steinbrenner, picking him from a pool of six candidates that included Carlos Beltran, Hensley Meulens, Rob Thomson, Chris Woodward and Eric Wedge – all of whom interviewed for the job.
On Friday, after Cashman said he was finished interviewing candidates and was ready to make a recommendation to ownership, the News reported that it would come down to Boone and Meulens.
His grandfather Ray Boone was a two-time all-star in the 50s. When reached by the Daily News about whether or not he would be working alongside his younger brother, Bret Boone left the door open.
His career highlight, of course, came after he was traded to the Yankees in 2003: his homer off Tim Wakefield in the 11th inning of Game 7 at Yankee Stadium that gave the Bombers the 2003 AL pennant and extended the “Curse of the Bambino.” The blast led to Boone being called Aaron ‘F–ing’ Boone in Boston.
Next up for Boone will be finalizing his contract and finishing off his coaching staff, which will include pitching coach Larry Rothschild.
Aaron Boone has succeeded in the Big Apple on the field.