Pete Rose, who died Monday at the age of 83, was known by many as the all-time hitting leader and later bet on baseball as manager of the Reds.
However, Yankees manager Aaron Boone got to know Rose more personally, as he played with Boone's father, Bob, from 1979 to 1981 and they won the World Series in 1980.
“Obviously it's a sad day for baseball, but for me personally, because when I look back at my childhood, he was an important figure in my family,” Boone said.
Boone played with Pete Rose Jr. in the minors and majors and has remained close with him over the years, so much so that the two were texting Monday night.
Boone also stayed in touch with Rose, including when the Yankees played in Cincinnati last year.
After one game, Boone found an autographed baseball from Rose on his desk.
The Yankees were off Monday, so Boone had a chance to watch his former bench coach lead the Mets to the playoffs.
Coach Boone was thrilled that Carlos Mendoza's Mets won an epic Game 161 against the Braves, clinching a ticket to the postseason.
“I was pretty fired up for Carlos,” Boone said. Boone spoke with Mendoza over the weekend when the Mets were in Milwaukee, and they messaged again after Monday's clincher. “Obviously he's done a great job against them. They had a really strong season after a very difficult start to the season, so I'm really excited for him to be able to join.” I know what you were doing.”
The Mets continued their momentum by defeating the Brewers 8-4 in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series in Milwaukee on Tuesday, earning Mendoza's first postseason win as coach.
John Sterling was named Tuesday as one of 10 finalists for the Ford C. Frick Award, which the Baseball Hall of Fame annually recognizes for excellence in baseball broadcasting.
The longtime Yankees radio voice retired earlier this season after 36 years behind the microphone, but returned for a playoff call.
Winners will be announced at the Winter Meeting on December 11th.
