NEW YORK – New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has gone berserk at umpires before, but never over a situation like this.
Home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt threw Boone out just two batters into Monday’s game against the Oakland Athletics and Boone appeared stunned, arguing with Wendelstedt that the umpire had heard someone else — perhaps a fan — complain, and not him. YES Network cameras and audio, which captured the back-and-forth, support Boone’s argument.
With Tyler Nevin in an 0-1 count against Carlos Ródon, Wendelstedt shouted, “Aaron, you’re done!” Boone and bench coach Brad Ausmus each pointed fingers into the stands, apparently accusing a fan. Ausmus could be seen on replay saying, “He didn’t say anything,” referring to Boone.
Aaron Boone was thrown out two batters in today’s Yankees game.
Boone: “I didn’t say anything.”
Referee: “I don’t care who said it. You’re gone.”
🎥 @TalkinYanks pic.twitter.com/Nsx7XtpryY
– The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 22, 2024
Wendelstedt appeared to give Boone a warning moments earlier for disputing a call from the previous at-bat. Wendelstedt allowed the A’s leader, Esteury Ruiz, a hit by pitch when Rodón’s slider hit his back foot. Ruiz had also started to swing, but the referees ruled that he had stopped the attempt.
“I have something else to say, you’re gone,” Wendelstedt said.
A television camera then saw Boone say nothing and even appear to examine his nails before Wendelstedt threw him out.
Boone told Wendelstedt he didn’t say anything.
“I don’t care who said it,” the referee said. “You left.”
“Bulls…. What do you mean you don’t care? » said Boone. “I didn’t say a word. It was above our dugout.
Nevin, the hitter at the plate at the time, is the son of Phil Nevin, Boone’s former third base coach and close friend.
It was the second ejection of the year for Boone, who has 34 since becoming Yankees manager in 2018 – the most among any skipper during that span.
This story will be updated.
(Photo: Mike Stobé/Getty Images)