Yankees Diaries

As the Yankees and Red Sox renew their special rivalry this weekend, let us take this opportunity to recall one big hit, one home run that has given Boston fans nightmares forever. Aaron Boone, come on down! Boone hit that walkoff home run in the 2003 ALCS off Tim Wakefield to send the Yankees to the World Series and making Boone loved in Yankees hearts forever. A series won't go by between the two teams where the highlight isn’t replayed with Charley Steiner and John Sterling making their famous call as Boone's shot to left field. What was also special about the home run is it only extended the Red Sox's World Series title drought even longer.

Boone is playing in the minors these days, but his story is still pretty special. A heart condition he had since childhood now required surgery. He was forced to stop playing baseball and undergo open-heart surgery to replace a valve. Doctors initially told Boone that he might never play again. But his courage and passion for the game made him try one last time. Six months after the operation, Boone was back on the field. When major-league rosters expand at the beginning of September, Boone is hoping to get the call.

The relationship between the Yankees and Boone ended on a bad note. Boone signed the large contract, then got hurt playing pickup basketball. But the two parties will always have that special autumn night. Thanks again, Aaron, and best wishes in your amazing comeback.

The Yankees head into Boston with a 6 1/2-game lead. Tonight Andy Pettitte will face off against big right hander Brad Penny. Then they go with A.J. Burnett and CC Sabathia. --- Andrew Cohen.