NEW YORK — New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone had gone berserk on umpires before, but never for a situation like this.
Home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt ejected Boone just two batters into Monday’s game against the Oakland Athletics, and Boone appeared stunned, arguing with Wendelstedt that the ump actually heard someone else — perhaps a fan — complaining, and not him.
With Tyler Nevin in an 0-1 count against Carlos Ródon, Wendelstedt yelled, “Aaron, you’re done!” That set Boone off. First, Boone and bench coach Brad Ausmas each pointed into the stands, seemingly blaming a fan. Ausmus could be seen on replaying saying, “He didn’t say anything,” referring to Boone.
Aaron Boone was ejected two batters into today’s Yankees game.
Boone: “I didn’t say anything.”
Umpire: “I don’t care who said it. You’re gone.”
🎥 @TalkinYanks pic.twitter.com/Nsx7XtpryY
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 22, 2024
YES Network cameras and audio caught the back-and-forth. Wendelstedt gave Boone a warning for arguing with him and then threw down the gauntlet.
“Got anything else to say, you’re gone,” Wendelstedt said.
A TV camera then watched Boone say nothing and even appear to examine his nails before Wendelstedt threw him out.
Boone then told Wendelstedt he didn’t say anything.
“I don’t care who said it,” the ump said. “You’re gone.”
It was the second ejection of the year for Boone, who has 34 since becoming Yankees manager in 2018 — the most out of any skipper over that time.
This story will be updated.
(Photo: Cole Burston / Getty Images)
