At the Yankees’ Old-Timers’ Day, which also marked the 25th anniversary of the 2000 championship, Aaron Boone reflected on frequent recent conversations with Joe Torre. The Yankees manager noted similarities between this season and 2000, when the team stumbled late before winning the World Series. With the current Yankees losing six of their last seven games and clinging to a narrow wild-card lead, Boone hopes for a similar turnaround.
Torre, attending the event, recalled the pressure of 2000 but expressed confidence that Boone can rally the team. He reminded fans there’s still time left in the season and credited Boone for his commitment to the roster. The day featured a one-inning exhibition with legends like Ron Guidry, Roger Clemens, David Cone, and Andy Pettitte, though Derek Jeter participated only through a video message.
Fan frustration has grown, particularly over Boone’s reliance on struggling reliever Devin Williams, leading to speculation that Boone could lose his job if the team falters. Despite this, Torre stood by Boone, saying the manager knows what he has in his clubhouse and can lead a playoff push.
Former Yankees catcher Jorge Posada echoed Torre’s support, pointing to the team’s injuries and lack of full health as major obstacles. He emphasized that Boone is not to blame for players not performing at their peak and that health will be key to any late-season surge.
Both Torre and Posada urged patience, drawing from their own experiences of overcoming slumps. While Boone’s approval among fans is low, those closest to him believe the Yankees still have a run in them — if they can get healthy and lock in mentally before the season’s end.
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