Jim Leyritz

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 ba...