Aaron Boone received a quick hook on Monday, as the Yankees manager was ejected just two batters into the team’s series-opener against the Athletics at Yankee Stadium.
It all started when A’s leadoff man Esteury Ruiz got hit by a pitch on his backfoot to start the game. As the slider grazed the center fielder’s foot, Ruiz also checked his swing. Home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt then motioned toward the first base umpire, John Tumpane, who signaled that Ruiz did not swing.
Boone, confused over the call, appeared to want the hit-by-pitch checked as well, and he made his wishes known. After the next pitch, a strike to Tyler Nevin, a fiery Wendelstedt informed Boone that he did check on the hit-by-pitch.
Aaron Boone has been ejected from the game 😲 pic.twitter.com/LbeWdYsSgA
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) April 22, 2024
“You’re yelling at me,” Wendelstedt, overheard on the YES Network broadcast, barked at Boone. “I did what I was supposed to do and checked. I’m looking for him to get hit by the pitch. You got anything else to say, you’re gone.”
From there, multiple camera angles showed Boone staying quiet as he perched himself on the top step of the dugout. However, a fan in a blue pullover sitting directly behind Boone appeared to say something that Wendelstedt took exception to.
Take another look at Aaron Boone’s ejection… pic.twitter.com/Ugo2ezpsCR
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) April 22, 2024
The umpire immediately ejected the manager, who became enraged as he tried to explain that he hadn’t said anything. Boone and bench coach Brad Ausmus even pointed toward the stands, while other fans pointed at the man in blue.
“Aaron, you’re done,” Wendelstedt screamed. “I don’t care who said it. You’re gone.”
“What do you mean you don’t care? I did not say a word! It was over by the dugout,” Boone replied before letting out some profanity. “I didn’t say anything. I did not say anything, Hunter!”
More curse words followed from Boone, but Wendelstedt had already made up his mind.
Meanwhile, the Daily News and other news outlets tried to speak with the fan in question. However, reporters were repeatedly denied access to the Legends Suite, the section that includes seats behind the dugout.
Boone has been ejected twice this season. He leads skippers with 34 ejections since becoming the Yankees’ manager in 2018.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
