The Yankees are showing interest in Ryan McMahon.
It’s a relief to hear he’s okay, too.
“I honestly thought he was dead,” Austin Wells remarked. He had the best view of a moment that will probably be remembered for a long time—especially if this Yankees season wraps up with more celebrations than what happened after their 4-0 win against Boston in the Bronx.
In a pivotal moment, it was McMahon who threw himself into the action, embodying a Derek Jeter-like spirit. He dove for the ball and came out on the other side, ready to share the tale.
“Adrenaline just took over,” McMahon said. He’d been a defensive substitution during the game, but made a sprint toward a foul pop-up from Jarren Duran during the eighth inning.
He nearly reached the railing but kept his focus on the ball. He hit the padded barrier hard, still managing to snag the catch before somersaulting toward the Red Sox dugout.
“Honestly, I didn’t feel anything,” McMahon added. “But I’m pretty sure I hit everything on that dugout.”
The crowd erupted, bringing back memories of Jeter’s infamous leap into the stands against the same Red Sox in 2004, and the Yankees’ dugout felt a surge of panic.
“We dashed out from the dugout because we knew it could get dangerous there,” said manager Aaron Boone.
“It all happened so fast,” Anthony Volpe recalled.
“I was really concerned for him,” Wells noted, as players rushed to McMahon’s aid.
Yet, before anyone got to him, McMahon was already up and jogging back towards third base, leaving the Red Sox behind.
“He bounced back quickly, and he was fine,” Wells said, still amazed. “I was just like, ‘Wow, that was wild.’”
McMahon hasn’t had much playing time since his move from the Rockies at the trade deadline, and he didn’t start against lefty Connery on the fifth day, nor did he face right-handed Amed Rosario.
That’s okay for the Yankees, who depend on the rest of their lineup (especially against left-handed pitchers) and trust in McMahon’s defensive skills and daring nature.
McMahon smiled, recalling Jeter’s famous play, but seemed uncomfortable with the comparison.
“We’re not on that level,” the 30-year-old explained. “This is completely different.”
Still, the importance of that moment stood out. It propelled the Yankees into the ALDS.
When asked where this play ranks among his best, McMahon had a thoughtful response.
“That’s a tough one,” he said. “In a game this important, it means a lot more.”
