NEW YORK, 28 January 2004 — Aaron Boone, whose dramatic extra-inning homer in Game Seven of the American League Championship Series vaulted the New York Yankees into the 2003 World Series, injured his left knee playing basketball and reportedly could miss the 2004 season.
The 30-year-old Boone reportedly suffered the injury last week, and two sources Monday told Sports Illustrated that doctors believe he has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
The Yankees would only confirm that their starting third baseman had hurt the knee and that an evaluation will be forthcoming.
“I can confirm that the Yankees have been notified by his representatives that third baseman Aaron Boone suffered an injury to his left knee while playing basketball,” New York general manager Brian Cashman said in a release. “We are currently evaluating the extent of the injury and expect to solicit multiple opinions before providing a complete diagnosis.”
The Yankees have the opportunity to void part or all of the $5.75 million contract Boone signed in December. Most major league contracts contain a clause limiting or prohibiting potentially risky activities.
“Concerning his contract, I can confirm that there are certain prohibited activities which include basketball,” Cashman said. “I will not comment further on his contract situation at this time.”
Boone hit just .254 with six homers and 31 RBI in 54 games for the Yankees after being acquired from Cincinnati at the July 31 trade deadline. He assured himself a place in the Yankees’ storied history with an 11th-inning homer off Tim Wakefield that put the Yankees into the World Series against the Florida Marlins. With the Reds, he earned an All-Star berth in 2003, batting .273 with 18 homers, 65 RBI and 15 stolen bases in 106 games.
The injury is a tough one for the Yankees, who do not have an adequate replacement. New York signed Miguel Cairo in the off-season and has Enrique Wilson but likely will have to go outside the organization to fill the void.
