“Baloney. I didn’t say a word,” Boone protested after being ejected.
It appears that a New York Yankees supporter may have played a role in manager Aaron Boone’s early dismissal during the team’s matchup against the Oakland Athletics at Yankee Stadium on Monday.
In the opening inning, as A’s leadoff batter Esteury Ruiz reached base after being hit by a pitch while appearing to check his swing, Boone engaged in dialogue with home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt.
Shortly thereafter, as right fielder Tyler Nevin stepped up to bat, microphones captured Wendelstedt informing Boone that he had appropriately consulted with first base umpire John Tumpane regarding Ruiz’s swing while focusing on determining whether the pitch struck Ruiz.
“You got anything else to say, you’re gone,” Wendelstedt cautioned Boone.
Approximately 10 seconds later, Wendelstedt heard a remark originating from the direction of the Yankees’ dugout and promptly ejected Boone.
“I don’t care who said it,” Wendelstedt informed Boone. “You’re gone.”
An incensed Boone dashed out of the dugout to assert his innocence, vehemently denying any communication with Wendelstedt.
“It came from above our dugout,” Boone insisted. “Nonsense. I didn’t utter a word.”
Boone persisted in his argument, with third base umpire Marvin Hudson joining the discussion.
“I didn’t speak at all,” Boone reiterated.
“You’re likely correct, Aaron,” Wendelstedt conceded.
“I’m not just likely correct,” Boone insisted. “I’m absolutely right.”
Upon scrutiny, cameras from the YES Network captured a spectator seated in the front row above the Yankees’ dugout making a remark, prompting Wendelstedt’s reaction and subsequent ejection of Boone.
Boone’s afternoon in the Bronx was abruptly cut short after just two batters on Monday, and it’s probable that he can attribute his early exit to that fan.