Since taking over as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, Joe Girardi has turned a portion of the Phils into the Yankees South. That continued on Wednesday with former Yankees super-sub Ronald “Toe” Torreyes joining the Fightin’ Phils with a minor league contract.
Despite being only five foot-child inches tall, the Big Toe became a folk hero in the Bronx for his clutch hitting, his utility infield defense, and his very high fives with Aaron Judge. He also served as the faux cameraman in the Yankees dugout.
The 27-year old spent last season in the Minnesota Twins organization. He made just seven appearances at the Major League level.
The Yankees acquired Toe from the Dodgers in January 2016 for infielder Rob Segedin. He played in 236 games over parts of three seasons with Bombers before being dealt to the Cubs in November 2018. Now, he’ll battle for a spot on the Major League roster to play alongside former teammate Didi Gregorius.
Let’s Go Toe!!!
Other Alumni News
Not too many people will remember Antoan Richardson one day, but Derek Jeter and Yankees fans always will. It was Richardson who scored the game-winning run in Jeter’s final at-bat in Yankee Stadium.
Richardson beat the throw home from Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis to give Jeter a walk off hit and a storybook ending.
Now, Richardson is coaching at the big league level. The 36-year old has joined the Giants as new manager Gabe Kapler’s first base coach.
Things don’t always work out for first draft choices, and such was the case for Eric Duncan, the Yankees 1st round selection (27th overall) in the 2003 MLB Amateur Draft. The Florham Park, N.J. native was a phenom for Seton Hall Prep High School, homering to win a state championship as a senior.
Things started out great…Duncan tore up the Eastern League and Arizona Fall League in 2005, but things went south from there. He never made it to the Major Leagues as a player. Imagine what John Sterling could have done with the name Duncan?
But, now at age 35 he is the newest hitting coach for the Marlins and manager Don Mattingly. Hard work and perseverance have paid off handsomely.
Finally, former Yankees shortstop and onetime (2008) coach Bobby Meacham has joined Girardi as a coaching assistant. This is the third time the duo has worked together.
