Not many managers in general capture World Series titles in just their first year with a team. Only a handful of New York Yankees skippers have done it before. But Aaron Boone can make it happen in 2018.
Joe Girardi didn’t depart New York on good terms. With just one World Series appearance in nearly 10 seasons, the New York Yankees believed they needed a change.
Aaron Boone, who has no coaching experience to this point, heads the team now as it enters a crucial 2018 season. If he leads the squad to its 28th World Series title, he would be just the sixth manager in team history to win one in their first year as manager.
Some of the five other managers in this category are more well known than others. Of course, current baseball fans remember Joe Torre, the most recent skipper to accomplish this feat. But not many fans might recall guys like Bucky Harris and Ralph Houk.
Girardi’s exit sparked a squabble among fans, as some believed he should have stayed. His numbers are strong compared to several managers across the league. But this is the most storied organization in the history of the game, so expectations are always high.
The skipper owned a 910-710 record – .562 win percentage – across nine MLB seasons and qualified for the postseason six times. Even though he only captured one World Series, he ranks fourth in the organization’s history with 28 total playoff wins.
Girardi’s gaffe during the ALCS and the controversial hit-by-pitch call might have been his death sentence. Some players, such as Brett Gardner and Gary Sanchez offered praise to the former coach. But others criticized him.
It didn’t help Girardi that Torre was his predecessor, arguably one of the best managers in team history. Torre garnered four World Series titles during his 12 years at the helm.
Boone enters the year already well-known for one of the most memorable home runs in recent history. But his inexperience as a coach may be an issue come April.
The front office had several options for managers, but it chose Boone possibly because it knew he would comply with its every move. Sources noted that Girardi and general manager Brian Cashman had a turbulent relationship.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Essentially, Boone could just be a puppet that will agree with whatever the organization decides to do. And the skipper already possesses one of the league’s most talented rosters. If the Yankees bring home No. 28, he may not receive a significant amount of credit.
But even with all of the weapons and skillful supervisors Boone has, it would not be a small feat. If the current coaching staff remains, then he will also have a successful support cast in his dugout every game.
It would be a successful season if New York made another deep playoff run. Many fans expect nothing less than that. But the Yankees must also consider that it will take Boone time to adjust to his situation.
If Boone doesn’t seize the team’s 28th title during his first season, it shouldn’t be a disappointment. New York looks like a winning team in the present and the future, due to its strong farm system.
Next: The Yankees won't sign Yu Darvish
Boone’s success might come immediately. But if it takes a year or two for him to settle in, Yankees fans should be patient. Nonetheless, the club still looks like a World Series contender in 2018.