Title: Yankees Manager Aaron Boone Remains Optimistic Despite Struggles
Date: August 19, 2023
The New York Yankees find themselves in a challenging position, as they currently sit at the bottom of the American League East and are seven games out of the final wild-card spot. However, Manager Aaron Boone is refusing to let his team’s dismal performance dampen their spirits.
Addressing his players in a team meeting on Friday night, Boone emphasized that “this thing is not over.” Despite the Yankees going 6-14 since Aaron Judge’s return from the injured list on July 28, Boone urged his team to stay resilient and focused.
Speaking to reporters before Saturday’s game against the Boston Red Sox, Boone acknowledged that his players are feeling the weight of the team’s struggles. However, he remains confident that a turnaround is imminent.
“I talked with the team last night,” Boone said. “But try and keep consistent in what we do and how we prepare and look forward to [Saturday] being the day you start turning things around. That’s how you got to kind of look at it.”
Boone also emphasized the importance of preserving the fun and joy of playing the game while dealing with the challenges that come their way. He encouraged his players to balance their competitive edge with the enjoyment of the sport.
The Yankees’ current record of 60-62 marks their worst performance at this stage of the season since 1995. However, Boone reminded his players of the potential for a remarkable comeback, drawing inspiration from other teams’ past successes.
“We have 40 games left, and there’s a lot of recent examples of teams turning it around,” Boone said. “Now, I also recognize we haven’t put ourselves in any kind of position or certainly given anyone a thought like why we would get back into it. But neither had those teams when they made their runs or when they got going.”
Boone stressed that it is his responsibility as the manager to motivate his team and instill hope. With their fate still undecided, he urged the Yankees to approach each game with determination and the belief that they can reverse their fortunes.
While injuries have played a significant role in the team’s struggles, Boone called on his players to maintain their competitive edge and remember the joy they initially found in the game.
“We have to prepare and compete every day with a mindset that today’s the day we turn it around,” Boone concluded.
With just 40 games remaining in the season, the New York Yankees will need to rally together and find a way to get back on track if they hope to salvage their playoff aspirations.