The New York Yankees’ 2021 season came to a close on Tuesday when they lost 6-2 to the Boston Red Sox in the AL Wild Card game in Boston.
While there were a few moments that contributed to the loss, the one that stood out most to a lot of people was third-base coach Phil Nevin waving home Aaron Judge on Giancarlo Stanton’s hit off the Green Monster in the top of the sixth inning. At the time, the Yankees were trailing by two runs and a run felt very necessary. However, Judge was easily thrown out at home, killing the momentum and a great chance for New York to rack up multiple runs.
I mean, Aaron Judge wasn't even close to being safe. Brutal send by Phil Nevin for the Yankees. May have ended their season.https://t.co/b6ociIxq33
— Billy Heyen (@BillyHeyen) October 6, 2021
At the moment, ESPN announcer Alex Rodriguez criticized the decision by Nevin.
“You don’t have to overthink that one,’’ Rodriguez said. “I’m surprised of the magnitude of that mistake [by Nevin] in this situation.”
To kids who want to be third base coaches: DO NOT DO THIS. pic.twitter.com/ZoS487PfQY
— Don Van Natta Jr. (@DVNJr) October 6, 2021
Nevin spoke with the NY Post about the decision and stands by it despite the outcome.
“There were a lot of factors,’’ Nevin told The Post. “I did see the low throw [from center fielder Kiké Hernandez]. It was off line, as well. I factored in the wet surface, which ended up being the demise [of the play] because it was a quick skip into [Xander] Bogaerts’ glove. He made a great baseball play and throw home.
“I know what it looks like,’’ Nevin said. “I know what the situation is. I know what kind of third-base coach I am. I made a play to win the game. It didn’t work out. It was a great baseball play on their side. In a big moment, it didn’t go our way.”
As far as ARod’s feedback, Nevin clapped back at the former Yankee.
“The guy has never been in that situation, but thinks he has a good idea of what baseball is in that spot and he’s wrong,” Nevin said. “He’s never been in that position.”
There were plenty of reasons the Yankees now find themselves sitting at home while the playoffs continue. This play was certainly one of them and Nevin is going to have to deal with the feedback he receives all winter long.
[NY Post]
