The Yankees played with heavy hearts on Monday following the death of Rachel Minaya, the wife of team executive Omar Minaya, on Saturday at age 55.
Before their 9-1 victory over the Rays at Yankee Stadium, the team held a moment of silence for Rachel, who was found dead at her home in Harrington Park, New Jersey.
“I think we’re all heartbroken,” manager Aaron Boone said after the game, his voice choking up.
Boone said he has not yet been able to speak with Omar, the former Mets GM who joined the team as a special advisor to GM Brian Cashman ahead of the 2023 season.
“It’s very difficult,” Boone said. “My heart goes out to O. and his family and this situation. I don’t want to get too deep into it because I haven’t spoken to O. yet.”
Before the national anthem was played in the Bronx on Monday, public address announcer Paul Alden called for a moment of silence while Rachel’s photo was displayed on the scoreboard.
“The Yankees are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Rachel Minaya, wife of Yankees senior advisor for baseball operations Omar Minaya. To those closest to her, she was a loving and caring mother and wife and a tremendous support for her family and loved ones,” the Yankees said in a statement.
“Omar became a beloved member of the Yankees organization in a very short time and always demonstrated a unique ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Throughout his illustrious baseball career, he generously gave of his kindness and friendship to others. We offer our deepest condolences to Omar, his sons Justin and Teddy, and their family and friends during this unthinkable time. His family was an extension of our baseball family and this is a loss that we all feel deeply.”
The Minayas have two adult sons, Justin, a forward for the Trail Blazers who plays in the Las Vegas Summer League; He told the Daily Mail After his mother died, he was left with a “sense of emptiness.”
“That’s all I can say,” Teddy said. “We loved her and we will miss her. We will miss her… She will be with us in our hearts.”
Teddy told the outlet that the family hopes to make a statement soon, but for now asks that people “respect our privacy.”
Omar was not at home when his wife died.
According to Police Chief Robert Murphy, officers from the Harrington Park Police Department went to Minaya’s home Saturday afternoon after receiving a request from a neighbor/family friend to check on his welfare.
When police arrived on the scene, they found Rachel unconscious and attempted to resuscitate her before taking her by ambulance to Hackensack Meridian Health Pascack Valley Medical Center in Westwood, where she was pronounced dead.
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced Monday that he has opened an investigation into Rachel’s death.
“While the circumstances do not appear to be suspicious, a ruling on the cause and manner of death is pending,” Musella’s office said in a press release. “As the investigation continues, no further details can be released.”
Asked if suicide could be ruled out, Murphy said: “Nothing has been ruled out yet. That’s the situation. It’s undecided.”
