Jim Leyritz

James Joseph Leyritz (born December 27, 1963 in Lakewood, Ohio) is a former catcher and infielder in Major League Baseball. Leyritz played for the New York Yankees (1990-1996, 1999-2000), with whom he debuted on June 8, 1990. He played for the Anaheim Angels (1997), Texas Rangers (1997), Boston Red Sox (1998), San Diego Padres (1998) and Los Angeles Dodgers (2000), pinch-hitting more extensively toward the end of his career. He batted and threw r... more

James Joseph Leyritz (born December 27, 1963 in Lakewood, Ohio) is a former catcher and infielder in Major League Baseball. Leyritz played for the New York Yankees (1990-1996, 1999-2000), with whom he debuted on June 8, 1990. He played for the Anaheim Angels (1997), Texas Rangers (1997), Boston Red Sox (1998), San Diego Padres (1998) and Los Angeles Dodgers (2000), pinch-hitting more extensively toward the end of his career. He batted and threw right-handed exclusively in the majors, but was known to switch-hit in the minor leagues. He is best known for his 3-run home run off Atlanta Braves closer Mark Wohlers in Game 4 of the 1996 World Series. That home run was significant, as the momentum from then on shifted towards the Yankees. "The King" is known for hitting the last home run of the 1990s in Game 4 of the 1999 World Series. He attended Turpin High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, Middle Georgia Jr. College (Cochran, GA) and the University of Kentucky. Leyritz was known for using an... less