Baseball families have made history in pinstripes. The Boones are in their 3rd generation playing baseball. Aaron Boone, whose brother Bret, father Bob, and grandfather Ray all had 10+ year careers in the majors, cemented his name in Yankee history. Jose Molina, whose brother Yadier plays for the Colorado Rockies and other brother Bengie plays for San Francisco Giants, also cemented his name in Yankee history. Now that the Yankees have acquired Jerry Hairston, Jr., whose brother Scott is playing for the Oakland Athletics, and father Jerry, Sr., uncle Johnny, and grandfather Sam also had MLB baseball careers. Now Jerry Jr. has a chance to continue this trend of success for baseball families playing for the Bronx Bombers. Before we get into the Hairstons, let’s take a look at what the Boones and the Molinas have accomplished in pinstripes.
First, the Boones. Yankee fans will remember the 2003 ALCS. Aaron was a summer rental. The Yankees obtained him before the trade deadline. Little did they know what would happen in Game 7. It was an extra inning game. Tim Wakefield pitching for the Red Sox. Aaron steps to the plate. First pitch: BANG! Walk-off homer. Yankees go to the World Series! Even though they would end up losing to the Florida Marlins in the World Series, the Yankees expected him back in pinstripes for 2004. Unfortunately, he blew out his knee playing basketball of all things. Leading the Yankees to obtain Alex Rodriguez from the Texas Rangers and convert him from a shortstop to a third basemen. Regardless of his stupidity, his walk-off ALCS winning home run is one of the greatest moments in Yankees history. Hence, the Boone family cements its history in Yankee pinstripes
Next, the Molinas. Jose is currently the backup catcher to Jorge Posada. Those of you who watched the last game played at the old Yankee Stadium remember everybody getting nostalgic. Every player was taking dirt from the field after the game. Every fan was feeling the emotion of everything going on. All of this overshadowed the fact the Jose Molina hit the last home run ever at the old Yankee Stadium. Babe Ruth hit the first ever. Jose Molina hit the last. Hence, the Molina family cements its history in Yankee pinstripes.
Enter Jerry Hairston, Jr., a member of the Hairston baseball family. In his rookie season in 1998, he already made history by being the first ever 3rd generation African-American to play MLB Baseball. He and his brother Scott played in the World Baseball Classic representing Mexico. You might think, “Wait a minute! I thought he was African-American. How could he be playing for Mexico?” It turns out he is also of Mexican descent. His mother is Mexican. The Yanks made a deal and acquired him from the Reds before the trade deadline. His family trained him well. He is a 10 year veteran and can play any position on the field. Could he be the next baseball family member to make an impact and cement his family legacy in pinstripes?
