As he entered the clubhouse-level media room on Friday morning for his home opener press conference at 10 a.m. ET, Yankees manager Aaron Boone was in a good mood. Boone expressed his excitement from the beginning, since he loves Opening Day and baseball.
Boone spoke about the Yankees’ 6-1 road record and the morning’s announcement that reliever Jonathan Loaisiga had been placed on the 60-day disabled list due to a flexor strain for 12 minutes. In addition, he talked about the enthusiasm surrounding Juan Soto’s first game at Yankee Stadium in pinstripes and Dennis Santana, Loaisiga’s bullpen replacement. Boone said he had one more thing to say once there were no more questions.
Boone wished to discuss the devastating news that Cathy Tusiani, the wife of Yankees executive Michael Tusiani, passed away late on Wednesday in Armonk, New York, during a storm. The tree toppled on her car. Beginning slowly, Boone leaned near a microphone.
“After all the hoopla surrounding Opening Day, we are constantly reminded of the bigger picture and the fact that this is our job,” he remarked. “Though it’s only a game, it truly matters, and today our family—the Yankees family—has sad hearts. Michael Tusiani lost his wife, as you are aware. Boone began to lose his cool at this moment. He blinked, glanced down, paused for a few seconds, started crying, tried to speak again, but could get out only a syllable before he started to cry again.
Boone’s voice cracked and he said, “Cathy.” Boone said, “So we’ll be praying for them today and all season,” after ten more seconds had gone. Alright. Then Boone rose from his chair and walked out of the press-packed room.
