Young Long Island baseball players were treated to a surprise visit from 2x World Series Champion Jim Leyritz this morning at St. Anthony’s HS.
Although he may not have the fan recognition of one of the ‘Core 4’ members, it was Leyritz who helped launch the Yankees dynasty with the dramatic game-tying 3-R home run against Atlanta Braves closer Mark Wohlers in Game 4 of the 1996 World Series in Atlanta. The Yankees had been trailing 6-0 in the game, but had clawed back to 6-3 when Leyritz stepped in and crushed a hanging slider over the left field fence to give the Yankees new life–which they of course took advantage of and finished the series off at home.
Incredibly, Leyritz was fortunate to play in three World Series total and hit 8 postseason home runs in 61 at bats, which he noted is a better ratio than Babe Ruth. He faced the Yankees in the 1998 World Series as a member of the San Diego Padres, before returning back to the Bronx as they defeated the Braves once again in 1999. Leyritz hit a home run in his only at bat of the series.
Leyritz, 55, is a father of five and is now sells real estate in California. Here’s a few bullet points from his 50 minute discussion with the campers.
- He was not drafted despite a terrific collegiate career at the University of Kentucky due to a broken leg he suffered playing tennis a week before the draft.
- He used his status as a non-drafted minor leaguer for fuel to make the big leagues
- His father’s tough love was a major reason that he was able to handle the pressure of New York.
- He was looking for a fastball when he hit his dramatic Game 4 HR
- Darryl Strawberry loved his BP pitching
- Scott Brosius was a critical member of the World Series teams and the most important player outside of the ‘Core 4’
- Joe Torre’s calm demeanor was a huge reason for the Yankees success
- You have no chance with George Steinbrenner if you are a weak individual.
- Free agency is the biggest reason that no team has been able to repeat as World Series Champs since the 1998-2000 Yankees.
- It’s important to play multiple sports to develop those skills
- You should not pick up a baseball for 3 months in the offseason to give your arm a rest.
- Always have a backup plan in case professional baseball doesn’t work out.
