By Brendan Kuty / The Athletic
The wound remained raw, and the disappointment weighed heavily.
For New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone, contemplating the following day likely felt distant. This heartache was familiar. It had been 21 years since his last appearance in a World Series, where he experienced defeat while playing for the Yankees against the Florida Marlins. After all this time, that sense of void had returned. He had faced World Series defeat once again.
“I’m 51,” he remarked late last Wednesday. “I’ve dedicated my life to this.”
When the discussion shifted to Boone’s future, he became somewhat tense. He leaned forward on the table, crossing his arms as if preparing for something difficult. Just an hour before, Boone observed from his usual spot on the dugout steps as the Yankees were defeated 7-6 by the Los Angeles Dodgers in a crucial Game 5.
The last guaranteed year of Boone’s contract had just concluded. The Yankees could trigger an option allowing him to remain through 2025, or they could choose to part ways. When would he start contemplating what lies ahead?
“We’ll see,” he replied. “I don’t know.”
For Boone, there was a great deal at stake in this World Series, even if it wasn’t strictly his job security.
By clinching the pennant, he likely reduced the volume of criticism from his loudest detractors, who often highlighted his losses in both previous American League Championship Series since he took over as manager in 2018.
If the Yankees were considering parting ways with him, there had been no public signals. General manager Brian Cashman stated early in the postseason that the organization was “content” with Boone as manager. Before several postseason games, owner Hal Steinbrenner would check on Boone to gauge the team’s condition.
However, Boone surely understands the dynamics in the Bronx. A World Series victory, which would have ended the franchise’s 15-year championship drought, would have secured him a cherished place in Yankees history. Boone’s two most recent predecessors — Joe Torre and Joe Girardi — both won titles, and regardless of the challenges they faced during their tenures, they are now largely remembered with affection.
Boone, however, lacks a championship ring. This season, he came very close. The Yankees held a commanding 5-0 lead heading into the fifth inning of Game 5 before their performance deteriorated, reminiscent of the careless mistakes that plagued the team all season. Uncharacteristic errors were made by Aaron Judge and Anthony Volpe, while Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rizzo both committed mental errors on the same ground ball, leading to the run that ignited a five-run rally from the Dodgers. A victory would have necessitated the first-ever Game 6 in a World Series where a team started with a 3-0 lead.
“I’m heartbroken,” Boone expressed.
He also mentioned his empathy for his players.
“The conclusion is harsh,” he said. “It always is. I haven’t experienced the joy of celebration and then going home.”
Boone has had many moments of celebration. He boasts the second-best winning percentage (317-212, .599) among active managers, trailing only his World Series counterpart, Dave Roberts (529-327, .618). He has led the Yankees to the playoffs in six out of his seven seasons.
In the clubhouse after the defeat, Yankees players rallied around Boone.
“He’s always had our backs,” Judge stated. “He’s consistently supported us. He puts us in the best scenarios every day. He’s a person that every individual in this room would go to bat for. The culture we have here is something exceptional, and it all starts with him at the top.”
Some predicted turbulence in the Yankees’ clubhouse last season following the winter signings of pitcher Marcus Stroman and outfielder Alex Verdugo, then again after the trade deadline acquisition of Jazz Chisholm Jr. But aside from a minor disagreement involving Stroman and second baseman Gleyber Torres early in the season, there seemed to be little discord within the team.
“Being in this situation,” Judge noted, “we wouldn’t have seen such a strong integration of our new guys if it wasn’t for a manager like him who really brought us together.”
Verdugo had a well-publicized rocky relationship with his former manager in Boston, Alex Cora. However, he connected well with Boone.
“He’s always believed in me,” Verdugo shared. “He always recognized that I was going to give my all, even during my toughest struggles and offensive slumps.”
Giancarlo Stanton praised Boone, saying: “I know the extent of his care for us.”
“He looks after his players,” Cole remarked. “That’s what you seek in a manager.”
Late into the night following Wednesday’s loss, Boone wandered around the clubhouse, still dressed in the hoodie and baseball pants from the game. Perhaps it was routine. Boone frequently checks on players before they head out for the night. But this time, there was no tomorrow, and although it seemed probable he’d receive another chance next year, it didn’t alleviate the heartache.
“When you get that close,” he stated, “it breaks your heart.”
