For the winningest franchise in the history of American sports, the Yankees’ World Series-winning managers club is very exclusive.
Of the 33 managers in the 121-year history of the Bronx Bombers, nine of them have been a part of at least one of the 27 World Series championships — Joe McCarthy, Casey Stengel, Joe Torre, Miller Huggins, Ralph Houk, Bucky Harris, Billy Martin, Bob Lemon and Joe Girardi.
Aaron Boone is looking to join the historic group that includes four Baseball Hall of Fame managers as the Yankees get set to play in their first World Series in 15 years on Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“Dodger-Yankees, two pillar franchises in the sport obviously with a lot of history going back a long, long time,” said Boone on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. “And these two teams have met up a lot in the Fall Classic — amazing that it’s been 43 years — but it’s certainly special, especially with having a few days to allow it to sink in and getting ready.
“I think this is something that will garner a lot of interest all over the country, all over the world. Probably more so than usual. … So, excited to be a part of it. But, for us, now that’s all it is. We’re getting ready for an opponent with a chance to win a World title and that’s what we’re looking forward to.”
Boone has been criticized ever since he landed the job as skipper after the 2017 season. Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner let go of a World Series-winning manager — Joe Girardi — after bringing a team to Game 7 of the ALCS against the Houston Astros in favor of someone who had zero coaching experience. Boone has had plenty of regular-season success as manager, however, he hasn’t come particularly close to holding the commissioner’s trophy until this season.
The 51-year-old is 603-429 (.584) in his seven seasons as manager. He already owns the seventh most wins in franchise history ahead of Billy Martin in his eight seasons between 1975 and 1988.
However, Boone is just 21-19 in his postseason career, prior to this season, the deepest he got into October was Game 6 of the 2019 ALCS — one game shy of where Girardi ended up before he was let go.
“Great job — the best record in the American League, won the American League East and now we’re trying to win in the postseason,” Cashman said about Boone’s 2024 during the ALDS vs. the Royals. “We’re trying to find a way all the way to the top. …
“We’re certainly happy to have him as our manager, as you all know that.”
The California native has an option on his contract for the 2025 season. A World Series title would likely make that option an afterthought and an immediate pickup. Boone’s job security figures to be in good standing after getting over the hump and into the Fall Classic, however, his legacy as a manager could be certified by hoisting the franchise’s 28th trophy.
Fans have been critical of Boone, however, in New York, winning triumphs over everything. If the skipper comes out on top in the Yankees-Dodgers clash of the Titans, he will etched into the books as one of the greatest managers in franchise history.
