History of Aaron Boone in Timeline

Aaron John Boone is an American baseball manager and former third baseman who currently manages the New York Yankees. His 13-year playing career (1997-2009) is most remembered for his time with the Yankees, particularly his walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS that sent the team to the World Series.

March 9, 1973: Birth of Aaron Boone

Aaron John Boone was born on March 9, 1973.

1991: Drafted by the California Angels

The California Angels selected a young Aaron Boone in the third round of the 1991 MLB draft. However, Boone opted to pursue a college career instead.

1993: College Summer League Success

Aaron Boone showcased his talent playing collegiate summer baseball for the Orleans Cardinals of the Cape Cod Baseball League in 1993. His performance earned him a league all-star title and played a key role in Orleans winning the league championship.

1994: Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds

Aaron Boone's professional baseball journey took a significant step forward when he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the third round of the 1994 MLB draft.

June 1997: MLB Debut

Aaron Boone made his Major League Baseball debut in June 1997. He was ejected from this game after being called out sliding into home.

1997: MLB Debut

Aaron Boone made his Major League Baseball debut in June 1997. He was ejected from this game after being called out sliding into home.

October 1998: Marriage to Laura Cover

Boone's wife, Laura Cover, was featured as Playboy's Miss October in 1998.

1998: Unique Infield with Brother

On the final day of the 1998 MLB season, the Reds fielded a unique infield lineup that included two sets of brothers: first baseman Stephen Larkin and shortstop Barry Larkin, alongside second baseman Bret Boone and third baseman Aaron Boone.

September 22, 2002: Final Home Run at Riverfront Stadium

On September 22, 2002, Aaron Boone left his mark on Riverfront Stadium when he hit the last home run in the stadium's history. This solo homer came in the eighth inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies, ultimately ending in a 4-3 loss for the Reds.

July 31, 2003: Traded to the New York Yankees

In a significant trade on July 31, 2003, Aaron Boone was traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the New York Yankees. The Yankees acquired Boone in exchange for Brandon Claussen, Charlie Manning, and cash considerations.

2003: All-Star Game Appearance and Team MVP

Aaron Boone was recognized for his exceptional performance in 2002 with a selection to the MLB All-Star Game. This career highlight coincided with him being named the Cincinnati Reds' Most Valuable Player for his contributions throughout the season, which included hitting a career-high 26 home runs in 162 games.

2003: Walk-off Home Run in ALCS

In a thrilling turn of events, Aaron Boone hit a walk-off home run during Game 7 of the 2003 American League Championship Series (ALCS). This win against the Boston Red Sox secured the Yankees' place in the World Series and became a defining moment in Boone's career.

January 2004: Knee Injury

Aaron Boone sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee while playing in a pick-up basketball game. This injury violated the terms of his MLB contract, which prohibited participation in certain off-season activities, including basketball.

February 27, 2004: Released by the New York Yankees

Following a contract dispute stemming from a knee injury sustained during an off-season basketball game, the New York Yankees released Aaron Boone on February 27, 2004. This decision came shortly after the Yankees traded for Alex Rodriguez to fill the third base position.

June 2004: Signed with the Cleveland Indians

Aaron Boone returned to Major League Baseball in June 2004 when he signed a two-year contract with the Cleveland Indians. This contract marked a new chapter in his career after his departure from the New York Yankees.

2005: Return to MLB

After missing the entire 2004 season due to a knee injury, Aaron Boone made a successful comeback to Major League Baseball in 2005. Playing for the Cleveland Indians, Boone appeared in 154 games, demonstrating his resilience and determination.

December 29, 2006: Signed with the Florida Marlins

On December 29, 2006, Aaron Boone signed a one-year contract with the Florida Marlins, embarking on a new chapter in his baseball career.

2006: Continued Play with the Indians

Aaron Boone continued to play for the Cleveland Indians in 2006. The team exercised their option on his contract, keeping him in Cleveland for another season.

December 6, 2007: Signed with the Washington Nationals

Aaron Boone signed a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals on December 6, 2007, joining his fourth MLB team.

2007: Played for the Florida Marlins

Aaron Boone played for the Florida Marlins during the 2007 MLB season.

December 18, 2008: Signed with the Houston Astros

On December 18, 2008, Aaron Boone signed with the Houston Astros, marking his fifth MLB team.

2008: Played for the Washington Nationals

Aaron Boone played for the Washington Nationals during the 2008 MLB season.

March 2009: Open-Heart Surgery

In March 2009, Aaron Boone underwent open-heart surgery to address a bicuspid aortic valve issue. This condition had been present since childhood but had recently worsened, prompting the need for surgical intervention. While doctors cleared him to return to baseball after recovery, Boone's future in the sport remained uncertain.

2009: Guest Analyst for MLB Network

Aaron Boone stepped into the role of a guest analyst for the MLB Network's coverage of the 2009 American League Championship Series (ALCS). This marked an early foray into sports broadcasting during a period of uncertainty about his playing career.

2009: Limited Appearances for the Astros

Aaron Boone's time with the Houston Astros in 2009 was limited to only 10 games due to health issues.

2009: Retirement from Playing Career

After a successful career, Aaron Boone retired from playing baseball in 2009.

2009: Open-Heart Surgery

In 2009, Boone underwent open-heart surgery.

February 23, 2010: Retirement from Playing and Joined ESPN

Aaron Boone officially announced his retirement from playing baseball and his transition to a career in broadcasting with ESPN on February 23, 2010.

2010: Transition to Broadcasting

Aaron Boone began working as a baseball analyst for ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball and Baseball Tonight in 2010.

2012: Yankees' AL East Championship Drought

The Yankees last won the American League East Division Championship in 2012.

2014: World Series Commentator for ESPN Radio

Aaron Boone joined ESPN Radio's broadcast team as a commentator for the 2014 World Series alongside play-by-play announcer Dan Shulman.

2015: World Series Commentator for ESPN Radio

Aaron Boone joined ESPN Radio's broadcast team as a commentator for the 2015 World Series alongside play-by-play announcer Dan Shulman.

2016: Sunday Night Baseball Commentator

Aaron Boone teamed up with Jessica Mendoza to provide color commentary on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts starting in 2016. Their insights and analysis enhanced the viewing experience for baseball fans tuning in to watch the games.

December 4, 2017: Hired as New York Yankees Manager

The New York Yankees appointed Aaron Boone as their new manager on December 4, 2017, entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the team. Boone's hiring marked a significant moment in his career as he transitioned from broadcasting back to the dugout.

2017: Continued World Series Commentary

Aaron Boone and Dan Shulman continued their partnership as World Series commentators for ESPN Radio in 2017, providing insightful analysis and commentary during baseball's biggest event.

2017: End of Broadcasting Career

Aaron Boone left his role as a broadcaster for ESPN in 2017.

March 29, 2018: First Game as Yankees Manager

The Aaron Boone era as manager of the New York Yankees officially began on March 29, 2018, with a 6-1 victory against the Toronto Blue Jays. The win marked a promising start to Boone's managerial tenure with the team.

September 2, 2018: One-Game Suspension

Aaron Boone was suspended for one game on September 2, 2018, for making inappropriate contact with an umpire during a game. The incident highlighted the pressures and intensity of managing in Major League Baseball.

October 3, 2018: First Postseason Win as Manager

On October 3, 2018, Aaron Boone celebrated his first postseason victory as a manager when the New York Yankees defeated the Oakland Athletics 7-2 in the wild-card game. The win propelled the Yankees into the American League Division Series (ALDS), marking a significant achievement for Boone in his inaugural season at the helm.

2018: New York Yankees Manager

Aaron Boone was hired as the manager of the New York Yankees in 2018.

March 28, 2019: Start of the 2019 Season

The Yankees, under Boone's leadership, began the 2019 season with a win against the Baltimore Orioles on March 28, 2019.

2019: AL Manager of the Year Nomination

Boone was recognized for his leadership and nominated for the American League Manager of the Year award in 2019.

March 2021: Pacemaker Implantation

Boone underwent surgery to implant a pacemaker in March 2021, demonstrating his resilience in the face of health challenges.

2021: The Yankees' Streaky Season

The Yankees, under Boone, experienced a rollercoaster season in 2021, showcasing both impressive winning streaks and frustrating slumps.

2022: A Season of Highs and Lows

Boone and the Yankees experienced a mix of success and setbacks in 2022, ultimately falling short in the playoffs despite a strong regular season.

May 26, 2023: Suspension for Conduct Towards Umpires

Boone faced disciplinary action from MLB, receiving a one-game suspension on May 26, 2023, due to his behavior toward umpires, highlighting his passionate on-field demeanor.