Yankees fans in Florida gave a stark reminder of how they felt about a former Bronx bomber.
Former Yankee Joey Gallo was booed loudly during the Minnesota Twins’ 1-0 win over the Bombers on Monday, giving the two-time All-Star a preview of what future road games will look like in Yankee Stadium.
Gallo went 1-for-3 in the game and was interrupted every time he came to the plate. The 29-year-old became Yankees fans’ enemy number one after a dismal tenure in the Bronx. Days before the 2021 trade deadline, the Yankees acquired Gallo and left-handed reliever Joely Rodriguez from the Texas Rangers in exchange for four minor leaguers. The Yankees hoped the transaction would bring a productive left-handed bat and defense to a team hoping for postseason success.
Gallo’s time with the Yankees was not good.
In 140 games with the Bombers from July 2021 to August 2022, Gallo slashed .159/.291./368 with 25 home runs and 46 RBIs. He struck out 194 times in 501 plate appearances and never displayed the Gold Glove-winning defense that was on display as a member of the Rangers. Gallo was then traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers last season for pitching prospect Clayton Beeter.
“It was hard for him to get back on track,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said before Monday’s loss. “Sometimes you want it too much and you get in your way a little bit. One thing, the game is hard and I never questioned his intent, his commitment, his work ethic. He never ran from anything. He never wanted to get out of the lineup or anything like that. He faced it head on, but it was a challenge for him. It was difficult. But I certainly have a lot of respect for him and how he did things.”
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“Joey Gallo” is now used to serenade players fighting in the Bronx. Aaron Hicks was a victim in August when he heard the chants after missing two plays in the outfield.
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“You know when a guy cares and gives himself and is also committed to being a very good teammate, which he was. You certainly feel for the guys that you know they’re going through a tough time when the going is tough,” Boone said of Gallo.
The new Twin is sure to draw a lot of attention from fans in the Bronx when the Yankees host Gallo’s team for a four-game series beginning April 13.
One thing remained constant in Monday’s lackluster game: Antony Volpe got a hit and flashed his glove. The top prospect had one of the team’s three total hits, a double to left field in the third inning. Volpe, who played second base, also turned two double plays with fellow prospect Oswald Peraza, who played shortstop.
The two gave fans a glimpse of what the future might be like, but for now, the two are vying for the starting shortstop role.
“It’s a friendly competition and we all try to do our best,” Peraza said through interpreter Marlon Abreu. “The team will make a decision at some point.”
Monday’s game between the Twins and Yankees wrapped up in two hours and 12 minutes, 49 minutes less than the average for last season’s spring training games. As of Saturday, this season’s spring training games last an average of two hours and 36 minutes, 25 minutes less than last spring’s average.
