Aaron Boone

Aaron Boone June 18, 2018 (50121262646) cropped

American baseball player and manager

Baseball player

Aaron John Boone (born March 9, 1973) is an American former professional baseball infielder and current manager of the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played in MLB for 12 seasons from 1997 to 2009, primarily as a third baseman. Boone is best known for his time with the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Yankees, and for his memorable walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 2003 American League Championship Series.

Early life and education

Boone was born in La Mesa, California, into a family with a rich baseball heritage. His father, Bob Boone, was a four-time All-Star catcher, and his grandfather, Ray Boone, was also a major league player. Aaron attended Villa Park High School in Villa Park, California, and later played college baseball for the University of Southern California Trojans.

Professional career

Cincinnati Reds

Boone was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the third round of the 1994 Major League Baseball draft. He made his MLB debut with the Reds on June 20, 1997. Boone quickly established himself as a reliable infielder and was named an All-Star in 2003.

New York Yankees

In July 2003, Boone was traded to the New York Yankees. He became a household name during the 2003 American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Boston Red Sox. In Game 7, Boone hit a walk-off home run in the 11th inning off Tim Wakefield, sending the Yankees to the 2003 World Series.

Later career

After the 2003 season, Boone suffered a knee injury during a basketball game, which led to his release from the Yankees. He later played for the Cleveland Indians, Florida Marlins, Washington Nationals, and Houston Astros before retiring in 2009.

Broadcasting career

Following his retirement as a player, Boone transitioned to broadcasting. He worked as an analyst for ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball and other baseball-related programming.

Managerial career

In December 2017, Boone was named the manager of the New York Yankees, succeeding Joe Girardi. Under his leadership, the Yankees have consistently been competitive in the American League, and Boone was named the American League Manager of the Year in 2022.

Personal life

Boone is married to Laura Cover, a former Playboy Playmate. The couple has four children. Boone underwent open-heart surgery in 2009 to replace a bicuspid aortic valve, a condition he had been aware of since college.

See also

• List of second-generation Major League Baseball players
• List of Major League Baseball managers

External links

• booneaa01 {{{2}}}