Inside The Pinstripes

Aaron Boone Reacts to 'Fire Boone' Chants From Yankees Fans

Fans let Aaron Boone and the Yankees hear their frustration on Wednesday night before New York mounted a dramatic comeback over the Rays.

Max Goodman

In this story:

NEW YORK — After Yankees reliever Aroldis Chapman allowed a go-ahead, three-run double in the top of the 10th inning on Wednesday night, some fans at Yankee Stadium—those that stuck around after a lengthy a rain delay—decided to voice their displeasure, directing chants at manager Aaron Boone.

"Fire Boone" began to echo repeatedly behind home plate in the Bronx.

At the time, Francisco Mejía's double was a game-winner for the Rays, a crowd-silencer that made the chants even easier to make out. 

After hitting that low point, the Yankees proceeded to secure a comeback victory in dramatic fashion the next half inning. Josh Donaldson belted a walk-off grand slam to right field, sending those fans home happy. Nonetheless, those chants resonated, circulating on social media before the subject was broached in Boone's pregame presser on Thursday afternoon.

"Oh, yeah. I stood up a little prouder on the top step," Boone said, making it clear that he was aware of what was said the night before. 

Boone went on to speak for several minutes about chants directed at himself and players in pinstripes. Even with a comfortable cushion in the division, after a historic performance in the first half, the Yankees have heard plenty of boos this season. Certain underperforming assets have felt the wrath of unsatisfied fans in the Bronx and this team's recent struggles—3-11 since the trade deadline and 9-17 since the All-Star break—have added fuel to the fire.

"It goes with the territory sometimes here. You understand that. It beats the alternative," Boone explained. "We understand the expectations that come with putting this uniform on, we have the same expectations. But I think to ultimately be really successful, you can't let that bother you, affect you, move you in any direction. We're trying to be the best, perfect baseball team we can be and I have a role in that. We all have a role in that."

Asked why he stood up prouder in the dugout when fans were calling for his dismissal—whether it was warranted or not—Boone responded without hesitation.

"I want to make sure they can all see me. That's all."

MORE:

Follow Max Goodman on Twitter (@MaxTGoodman), be sure to bookmark Inside The Pinstripes and check back daily for news, analysis and more.

Published
Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Yankees for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. Goodman has been on the Yankees beat for three seasons. He is also the publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Jets site, Jets Country. Before starting Inside The Pinstripes, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. At school, Goodman was an anchor and reporter with NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. While at Northwestern, Goodman interned with MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman. You can connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

Home/News