NEW YORK— Yankees manager Aaron Boone looked upbeat as he entered a clubhouse-level media room for his home opener press conference on Friday at 10 a.m. ET.
Boone enjoys baseball and Opening Day, and he expressed his enthusiasm at the opening.
For 12 minutes, Boone discussed the Yankees’ 6-1 road record and the morning’s news that reliever Jonathan Loaisiga had been placed on the 60-day disabled list with a flexor strain. He also discussed Dennis Santana, Loaisiga’s bullpen replacement, and the anticipation for Juan Soto’s first game in pinstripes at Yankee Stadium.
When there were no more questions, Boone said he had one more thing to say.
Boone wanted to respond to the devastating news that Cathy Tusiani, wife of Yankees executive Michael Tusiani, was murdered late Wednesday afternoon when a tree fell on her car during a storm in Armonk, New York.
Boone approached the microphone carefully.
“With all the excitement of Opening Day, we get reminded all of time of the perspective and at the end of the day this is our livelihood,” according to him. “It really matters, but it’s just a game, and our family, the Yankees family, has heavy hearts today. As you are aware, Michael Tusiani has lost his wife.
At this time, Boone began to lose his composure. He looked down, paused for a few seconds, and then burst into tears. He tried to speak again but could only say one more word before crying.
“Cathy,” Boone replied, his voice cracking. After another 10 seconds, Boone stated, “So we’ll be praying for them today and throughout the season.” OK.”
Boone then got up from his seat and departed the room, which was packed with reporters.
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