Even before Joe DiMaggio threw out the ceremonial first pitch, the snow flakes started falling on the cathedral in The Bronx. The Kansas City Royals were in town, and despite Mother Nature’s best efforts, the Yankees were going to do whatever they could to ensure that a baseball game was played.
Andy Pettitte would take the hill as the Yankees starter on this special day. He’d allow 3 runs, 6 hits, and 2 walks in 6.1 innings pitched. Yankees rookie shortstop Derek Jeter would go 1-for-3 in the ballgame while batting 9th in the lineup.
Newcomers Joe Girardi, replacing Mike Stanley, and Tino Martinez, replacing Yankee icon Don Mattingly, would be booed during pregame ceremonies.
The Bronx Bombers would go on to win the game 7-3 to even their record to 3-3 on the young season. Jim Leyritz would lead the offense by going 3-for-3 on the day with 2 doubles, 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored.
