OMNISPORT

The New York Yankees named Aaron Boone as their 33rd manager on Monday with a three-year deal and a team option for 2021.

While the 44-year-old authored one of the most memorable moments in Yankees history with a walk-off home run to beat the Boston Red Sox in the 2003 American League Championship Series, he has never served as a manager or coach at any level.

That was Boone's sole season with the Yankees, sandwiched by six years with the Cincinnati Reds and subsequent spells at the Cleveland Indians, Florida Marlins, Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros.

Boone has been employed as an analyst by ESPN since retiring from baseball following the 2009 season, gradually rising to a high-profile spot on "Sunday Night Baseball" telecasts.

"I firmly believe that Aaron possesses the attributes needed to follow in the tradition of great Yankees managers," Yankees principal owner Hal Steinbrenner said.

"From all accounts, he is a polished communicator who possesses the ability to cultivate and grow relationships. Aaron has also spent a lifetime immersed in baseball, affording him a unique and intimate understanding of what fosters team success.

"Aaron's name is already etched into Yankees history, and my family and I are excited to welcome him back to this franchise. This opportunity will allow him to continue to make a positive impact on this organization in distinctly new and meaningful ways."

"Words cannot express how humbled I am to wear the pinstripes again as the manager of the Yankees," added Boone.

"I want to thank the Steinbrenner family and [general manager] Brian Cashman for entrusting me with this tremendous honour and responsibility. I believe we are entering into a special time in New York Yankees history, and I am so excited to be a part of it.

"I can't wait to get to work - and that work starts now."