As the New York Yankees face an uphill battle to secure a postseason spot, former Manager Joe Torre stepped in to offer some words of wisdom and support to current skipper Aaron Boone.
Torre’s four World Series championships with the Bronx Bombers make his advice all the more valuable during the team’s recent struggles.
During a recent appearance on WFAN, Torre expressed his belief in Boone’s ability to turn things around. “Aaron played for me,” he said. “He comes from a baseball background. To me, baseball is a game of life. You play it every day. You have to try to eliminate the highs and the lows and find a middle you can keep. Don’t lie to them. You still have to tell them, ‘Hey, we need to get better in this area or that area, and we can do it.'”
Boone’s challenges have been evident as the team has faltered in recent weeks. Following a 7-3 loss to the Los Angeles Angels, completing a series sweep and a dismal road trip, Boone called for a closed-door clubhouse meeting, aiming to address the team’s struggles.
According to reports, the meeting lasted just a few minutes but underscored the mounting pressure on the Yankees to perform.
Currently sitting in last place in the American League East standings, the Yankees chances of making the playoffs seem uncertain. The team has struggled mightily since All-Star slugger Aaron Judge suffered a significant toe injury.
Torre acknowledged the impact of Judge’s absence, stating: “What the Yankees are going through now, it’s tough. It’s tough when you miss Aaron Judge. He makes players around you better.”
“I think everyone is taking on more responsibility and pressure than they need to. But all of a sudden, you win three or four games, and you get your mojo back and start heading in the right direction.”
The Yankees playoff streak during Boone’s tenure is at risk, leaving fans questioning the manager’s future with the team. Despite the mounting pressure, the Yankees legendary former manager emphasized the importance of staying focused and resilient during challenging times.
Boone, who has never missed the playoffs as the Yankees’ manager, will need to rally his team in the coming weeks to turn their fortunes around. As the season progresses, the Yankees will be tested, and how they respond to adversity will define their postseason hopes.
Do you think the Yankees will end up making the playoffs?
If they don’t, should they fire Boone?