Jim Leyritz: Difference between revisions
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* 2× [[World Series]] champion ({{wsy|1996}}, {{wsy|1999}}) |
* 2× [[World Series]] champion ({{wsy|1996}}, {{wsy|1999}}) |
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==Early years== |
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Leyritz attended [[Turpin High School (Hamilton County, Ohio)|Turpin High School]] in [[Cincinnati, Ohio]], [[Middle Georgia College|Middle Georgia Jr. College]] ([[Cochran, Georgia|Cochran, GA]]) and the [[University of Kentucky]]. |
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==Baseball career== |
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<big><big>'''<big>Jim Leyrit</big>z'''</big></big> |
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After playing the 1985 season for the [[Kentucky Wildcats baseball|Kentucky Wildcats]], Leyritz went undrafted by [[Major League Baseball]], but was signed as a free agent by the [[New York Yankees]].<ref>http://www.ukathletics.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/kty/sports/m-basebl/auto_pdf/bb09_mg_107-160</ref> Leyritz played for the Yankees (1990–1996, 1999–2000), with whom he debuted on June 8, {{By|1990}}. He played for the [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim|Anaheim Angels]] (1997), [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|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 league baseball|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 also known for hitting the last home run of the 1990s, in Game 4 of the [[1999 World Series]]. |
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⚫ | Leyritz was known for using an unusual stance which involved keeping his front leg (left leg) straight and stiff while his back leg (right leg) behind him considerably bent at the knee. He did this while circling his bat around behind his head, waiting for the pitch. After each pitch that Leyritz did not put into play or strike out on, he would grab the bat by its center and twirl it at his hip like a baton. He has said that former Yankee, [[Mickey Rivers]], taught him how to twirl the bat at his hip. |
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===Playoff reputation and exploits=== |
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<big>'''Early Years'''</big> |
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Leyritz is best known for hitting numerous postseason home runs that either won, tied, or changed the momentum of several series. |
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In Game 2 of the [[1995 American League Division Series]] against the [[Seattle Mariners]] at [[Yankee Stadium (1923)|Yankee Stadium]], Leyritz hit an opposite field two-run home run to right-center into the rain in the 15th inning to win that game 7–5 for the Yankees and provided them with an ample 2–0 series lead in the best-of-five series. The home run came off Mariners pitcher [[Tim Belcher]], who was famously involved in a [[profanity]]-laced and threatening incident with a cameraman covering him walking through the [[Yankee Stadium (1923)|Yankee Stadium]] tunnel after giving up the home run. The Yankees would eventually squander the series lead by losing the following three games in Seattle's [[Kingdome]], the final two of which were decided in highly dramatic fashion. (The Mariners won Game 5 by a score of 6–5 with two runs in the bottom of the 11th inning.) As a result, this home run is not as well known because it ultimately did not change the series outcome. |
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Leyritz moved from Cleveland to Cincinnati (OH), in 1970 where he grew up watching his idol, Pete Rose, play for the ‘Big Red Machine’. Leyritz attended Turpin High School and lettered in varsity basketball, golf and baseball. In 1982, his senior year, Leyritz was named to the Ohio State All-Star Baseball Team. He began his collegiate playing career at Middle Georgia Junior College, leading their team to two Junior College World Series. In 1985, Leyritz played for the University of Kentucky, where he hit .380, with 13 home-runs. Later that year while playing with the Hays (KS) Larks Summer Collegiate Jayhawk League, Leyritz signed an amateur free agent contract with the New York Yankees for $8,000. |
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The best known of Leyritz's playoff heroics occurred in Game 4 of the [[1996 World Series]] against the Atlanta Braves at [[Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium]]. The Yankees had lost the first two games of the series at home, and narrowly won Game 3 in Atlanta. Game 4 appeared to be going to the Braves, who led 6-0 after 5 innings. The Yankees rallied for 3 runs in the 6th, setting the stage for Leyritz in the 8th inning. Leyritz stepped up with one out and two men on base and hit a three-run home run to left field to tie the game and cap the improbable Yankee comeback. The home run was hit against Atlanta closer [[Mark Wohlers]] and the Yankees eventually won the game 8–6 in 10 innings. Leyritz's Game 4 home run remains the most recognizable moment of that series and of his career. |
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<big>'''Playing Career'''</big> |
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In {{By|1998}}, Leyritz was on the [[San Diego Padres]]. Leyritz hit a number of unlikely playoff home runs and clutch hits that season, the most dramatic of which was an opposite field home run against [[Billy Wagner]] to off the right field foul pole in the top of the 9th inning in the [[Reliant Astrodome|Astrodome]] that tied Game 2 of the [[1998 National League Division Series|National League Division Series]] against the [[Houston Astros]]. However, the Astros would later win the game in the bottom of the ninth. In game 3, Leyritz hit the eventually game-winning home run off [[Randy Johnson]] in the bottom of the 7th inning that broke a 1–1 tie. Overall, Leyritz batted .400 with three home runs and five RBIs in that Division Series. Ironically, Leyritz's Padres would go up against his former team, the Yankees in the [[1998 World Series|World Series]]. The Padres were swept in four games and Leyritz did not record a home run or RBI in any game.{{cn}} |
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During an 11-year Major League career, Leyritz played mainly for the New York Yankees (1990-1996, 1999-2000), with whom he debuted on June 8, 1980. He played for the Anaheim Angels (1997), Texas Rangers (1987), 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. “The King” played in three World Series’, two with the Yankees and one with the Padres. |
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⚫ | In {{By|1999}}, Leyritz had rejoined the Yankees and hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 8th inning of Game 4 of the [[1999 World Series|World Series]]. The home run made the score 4–1. [[NBC]] commentator [[Bob Costas]] remarked incredulously about Leyritz after the home run, "You could send this guy to a resort in the spring and summer, as long as he comes back for October."{{cn}} |
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===Coaching=== |
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In February 2011, Leyritz was hired as a pitching coach for the [[Newark Bears]].<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/05/sports/baseball/05sportsbriefs-bears.html Newark Hires Leyritz]". Associated Press. February 4, 2011.</ref> He left the team after one season, wanting to spend more time with his family.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-08-24/news/29939656_1_yankee-jim-leyritz-drunk-driver-pong | location=New York | work=Daily News | first=Nina | last=Mandell | title=Newark Bears honoring convicted drunk driver Jim Leyritz on night of their weekly beer pong bash | date=August 24, 2011}}</ref> |
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On April 14, 2012, it was announced that Leyritz was returning to the Yankees on a personal services contract.<ref>http://riveraveblues.com/2012/04/jim-leyritz-back-with-yanks-on-personal-services-contract-66888/</ref> |
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⚫ | Leyritz was known for using an unusual stance which involved keeping his front leg (left leg) straight and stiff |
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==Controversies== |
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===Amphetamine use=== |
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On June 8, 2006, while doing an interview on the [[Opie and Anthony]] show on [[XM]] Satellite Radio, Leyritz admitted to using [[amphetamines]] after his shoulder surgery in 2001. The statement came in the wake of an admission by pitcher [[Jason Grimsley]] that he used performance enhancing drugs throughout his career.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2476681&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines |title=ESPN - Ex-Yankee Leyritz admits to using amphetamines - MLB |publisher=Sports.espn.go.com |date=2006-06-09 |accessdate=2010-11-21}}</ref> |
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===Legal trouble=== |
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<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:!Leyritzmug1.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Leyritz's mug shot.]] --> |
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On December 28, 2007, Leyritz was arrested in [[Broward County, Florida]] on suspicion of [[drunk driving]] and [[vehicular homicide]] in which Leyritz's car struck Freida Veitch's car. Veitch, who was returning home from her bartending job, was not wearing a seat belt. She ejected from the car and died at the scene. Leyritz was released on [[United States dollar|$]]11,000 bond and charged with two counts of drunk driving.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3171228 |title=ESPN - Leyritz charged following accident that killed 30-year-old woman - MLB |publisher=Sports.espn.go.com |date=2008-01-31 |accessdate=2010-11-21}}</ref> |
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Police collected two blood samples from Leyritz - one 2½ hours after the crash and the other about an hour later. The first sample showed a blood-alcohol level of .14, and the second, .13, police said. Florida's legal limit for motorists is .08. Prosecutors say Veitch had a blood-alcohol level of .18. |
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<big>'''Playoff heroics'''</big> |
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Several days after the accident, it was revealed that Leyritz may face further charges because he had his license suspended in [[New York]] prior to the accident. On June 20, 2007, Leyritz was ticketed outside [[Albany, New York]] for using a cell phone while driving. On November 23, his license was suspended after he failed to appear in court. The state of Florida is processing the suspension notice from New York and could file additional charges once his Florida license is suspended. According to an official from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: "The department has the statutory ability to suspend his license based on the fact he had knowledge of a suspension in another state and still came to Florida for a driver's license. It is unlawful." Leyritz's lawyer is quoted as saying that Leyritz's license "was not suspended in the state of Florida on the day of the accident, nor is it suspended today."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3177369 |
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|title= Leyritz could face additional charge with suspended license |date=2008-01-02 |publisher=[[ESPN]]| accessdate=2008-01-04}}</ref> |
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On February 13, 2009, Leyritz was ordered back to jail as his bail was revoked following his apparent consumption of alcoholic beverages in violation with his bail conditions.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3905755 | title=Leyritz jailed for drinking alcohol | publisher=[[ESPN.com]] | date=2009-02-13 | accessdate=2010-01-25}}</ref> A judge allowed him to return home on bail on February 23 after agreeing with Leyritz's attorney that his pretrial release conditions were unclear and that Leyritz had misunderstood rather than intentionally violated the terms.<ref>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/02/23/leyritz.crash.ap/index.html Leyritz To Remain Out of Jail While Awaiting Trial] SI.com, February 23, 2009{{dead link|date=January 2010}}</ref> |
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Leyritz is best known for hitting numerous postseason home runs that either won, tied, or changed the momentum of several series. His most famous clutch moment was a three-run home-run in the 8th inning of Game 4 of the 1996 World Series which spearheaded a Yankees’ comeback to claim the team’s first World Championship since 1978. With two strikes on him, and battling a number of searing fastballs, Leyritz sent Atlanta Braves’ closer, Mark Wohlers, slider over the left-field wall in Turner Field to turn the tide for the Bronx Bombers. That home-run was recognized as the 10thmost memorable home-run in Major League Baseball history. |
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On May 13, 2009, Leyritz was hospitalized in Florida. Reports on [[ESPN]] claimed Leyritz had threatened suicide, but Leyritz issued a statement later saying he was not suicidal but stressed out. Leyritz ran into trouble on May 14 when he attempted to start his car but the alcohol monitoring device on the car malfunctioned, leading to a false positive and triggering an automatic urine test for Leyritz. The test showed he had not consumed any alcohol and a judge cleared him.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4171349|title= Leyritz was 'stressed out'}}</ref> |
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Prior to an encore return to the Yankees clubhouse as a player in 1999, Leyritz led the 1998 San Diego Padres to the Fall Classic by way of Houston and Atlanta. During the National League Division Series, Leyritz may have hit his most dramatic post-season home-run with an opposite field blast against Houston Astros in the top of the 9th inning to tie Game 2 of the Series. Before the Series was over, Leyritz once again left his mark in baseball history by hitting a game-winning home-run off Scott Elarton in Game 3 of the NLDS, followed the next day with another home run off Randy Johnson. Overall, Leyritz batted .400 with three homeruns and five RBI’s in that Division Series. Ironically, Leyritz led his Padres back to New York where the Yankees won the World Series in four games. |
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On July 2, 2009, Leyritz was arrested for battery against his former wife,<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2009/07/02/Ex-Yankee-Leyritz-accused-of-battery/UPI-49781246563847/ Ex-Yankee Leyritz accused of battery] UPI.com, July 2, 2009 (UPI)</ref> however the charges were later dropped{{Citation needed|date=November 2011}}. |
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In November 2010, Leyritz's trial for the December 2007 DUI crash was held. He was acquitted on the DUI Manslaughter charge, but was convicted on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence, which carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail. He was subsequently sentenced to one year's probation and a $500 fine.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2010-12-02-jim-leyritz-sentence_N.htm | work=USA Today | title=Ex-Yankee Jim Leyritz gets probation, fine in Florida DUI case | date=December 2, 2010}}</ref> In May 2010, Leyritz had settled a civil lawsuit for the accident, paying $350,000 to the victim's family.<ref>"[http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5829184 Jim Leyritz acquitted of DUI manslaughter in Florida]". Associated Press. November 20, 2010.</ref> |
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Leyritz’ most successful season may have been in 1993 when he hit .309 for the Yankees while contributing 14 home-runs and 53 RBI with a on-base percentage of .410 and slugging percentage of .525. His defense was often overshadowed by his offensive production. Leyritz finished his 11-year Major League career with a .995 fielding percentage. |
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<big>'''Coaching'''</big> |
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In February 2011, Leyritz was hired as the pitching coach for the Newark Bears, where he joined former Yankees Tim Raines and Mike Torrez. He resigned after one season to spend more time with his family. |
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<big>'''Legal Issues'''</big> |
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In 2003, Leyritz filed for divorce and retired from the game of baseball to care for his three young children and fight for custody. |
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In 2006, Leyritz was awarded primary legal custody. |
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In December, 2007, Leyritz was arrested in Broward County, Florida for allegedly causing an accident while drinking and driving. He was charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter and Driving Under the Influence (DUI). He waited three years to plead his case in front of a jury. |
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In July 2009, Leyritz was charged with battery and jailed after his former wife accused him of domestic battery. Based on witness accounts and his former wife’s conflicting testimony to authorities, Leyritz was ordered released. |
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In May 2010, Leyritz’ insurance company settled a civil lawsuit for the accident paying $350,000 to the other driver’s family. |
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On November 20, 2010, Leyritz went to trial in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the vehicular manslaughter and DUI charges. Presiding Judge Marc Gold threw out the State’s first vehicular manslaughter charge due to insufficient evidence, and after 45 minutes of deliberations, Leyritz was acquitted by a jury of the remaining manslaughter charge. The jury deliberated for an additional 24 hours on the DUI charge and Leyritz was found guilty of a misdemeanor, first-time offense DUI, based on a (BAC) between .06 and .07 at the time of the accident. The other driver’s BAC was calculated by the coroner at .18 and she died at the scene after being ejected from her vehicle. |
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On December 2, 2010, Leyritz was sentenced to one year's probation and a $500 fine. |
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In January, 2011, the State of Florida tried to prosecute Leyritz on the Domestic Battery allegation from 2009. The case was subsequently thrown out of court. |
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In February, 2012, Leyritz was granted full permanent legal and physical custody of his three children and now resides with them in Coto de Caza, California. |
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<big><big>'''Off The Field'''</big></big> |
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⚫ | Leyritz hosts a radio show with Vinny Micucci called MLB Radio Daily on MLB Radio and is a regular contributor to The Michael Kay Show on the New York City ESPN Radio affiliate |
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<big>'''Author'''</big> |
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In June 2011, Leyritz wrote a book titled Catching Heat: The Jim Leyritz Story. The book was co-written by brothers Jeffrey Lyons and Douglas B. Lyons. Catching Heat is an honest account of Leyritz’ life, fully disclosing his professional and personal highs and lows. |
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<big>'''Philanthropy'''</big> |
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Leyritz is actively involved in numerous charitable organizations and he continues to support former teammates and their charities, e.g., Bernie Williams and Hillside Food Outreach; Jorge Posada and The Jorge Posada Foundation; and Derek Jeter and Turn2 Foundation, as well as New York City Foster Care and Adoption, PEACE Projects with Saddleback Church, and the Baseball Assistance Team. |
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==Author== |
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Leyritz wrote a book titled ''Catching Heat: The Jim Leyritz Story'', published in June 2011. The book was co-written by brothers [[Jeffrey Lyons (television critic)|Jeffrey Lyons]] and [[Douglas B. Lyons]].<ref>http://www.hcibooks.com/p-4099-catching-heat.aspx</ref> In a brief review, ''[[Publishers Weekly]]'' called the book "a surprisingly defensive attempt at a self-serving memoir."<ref>{{cite web|title=Nonfiction Review: Catching Heat: The Jim Leyritz Story|url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-7573-1566-4|publisher=Publishers Weekly|accessdate=4 August 2011}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
Revision as of 18:01, 28 June 2012
This article needs additional citations for verification. (June 2012) |
Jim Leyritz | |
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Catcher / Infielder / Outfielder | |
Born: Lakewood, Ohio | December 27, 1963|
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
debut | |
June 8, 1990, for the New York Yankees | |
Last appearance | |
September 13, 2000, for the Los Angeles Dodgers | |
Career statistics | |
Batting average | .264 |
Home runs | 90 |
Runs batted in | 387 |
Teams | |
Career highlights and awards | |
|
James Joseph Leyritz (born December 27, 1963 in Lakewood, Ohio) is a former catcher and infielder in Major League Baseball.
Early years
Leyritz attended Turpin High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, Middle Georgia Jr. College (Cochran, GA) and the University of Kentucky.
Baseball career
After playing the 1985 season for the Kentucky Wildcats, Leyritz went undrafted by Major League Baseball, but was signed as a free agent by the New York Yankees.[1] Leyritz played for the 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 also known for hitting the last home run of the 1990s, in Game 4 of the 1999 World Series.
Idiosyncrasies at the plate
Leyritz was known for using an unusual stance which involved keeping his front leg (left leg) straight and stiff while his back leg (right leg) behind him considerably bent at the knee. He did this while circling his bat around behind his head, waiting for the pitch. After each pitch that Leyritz did not put into play or strike out on, he would grab the bat by its center and twirl it at his hip like a baton. He has said that former Yankee, Mickey Rivers, taught him how to twirl the bat at his hip.
Leyritz was also Andy Pettitte's personal catcher in 1995-96 and again in 1999-2000.
Playoff reputation and exploits
Leyritz is best known for hitting numerous postseason home runs that either won, tied, or changed the momentum of several series.
In Game 2 of the 1995 American League Division Series against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium, Leyritz hit an opposite field two-run home run to right-center into the rain in the 15th inning to win that game 7–5 for the Yankees and provided them with an ample 2–0 series lead in the best-of-five series. The home run came off Mariners pitcher Tim Belcher, who was famously involved in a profanity-laced and threatening incident with a cameraman covering him walking through the Yankee Stadium tunnel after giving up the home run. The Yankees would eventually squander the series lead by losing the following three games in Seattle's Kingdome, the final two of which were decided in highly dramatic fashion. (The Mariners won Game 5 by a score of 6–5 with two runs in the bottom of the 11th inning.) As a result, this home run is not as well known because it ultimately did not change the series outcome.
The best known of Leyritz's playoff heroics occurred in Game 4 of the 1996 World Series against the Atlanta Braves at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. The Yankees had lost the first two games of the series at home, and narrowly won Game 3 in Atlanta. Game 4 appeared to be going to the Braves, who led 6-0 after 5 innings. The Yankees rallied for 3 runs in the 6th, setting the stage for Leyritz in the 8th inning. Leyritz stepped up with one out and two men on base and hit a three-run home run to left field to tie the game and cap the improbable Yankee comeback. The home run was hit against Atlanta closer Mark Wohlers and the Yankees eventually won the game 8–6 in 10 innings. Leyritz's Game 4 home run remains the most recognizable moment of that series and of his career.
In 1998, Leyritz was on the San Diego Padres. Leyritz hit a number of unlikely playoff home runs and clutch hits that season, the most dramatic of which was an opposite field home run against Billy Wagner to off the right field foul pole in the top of the 9th inning in the Astrodome that tied Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Houston Astros. However, the Astros would later win the game in the bottom of the ninth. In game 3, Leyritz hit the eventually game-winning home run off Randy Johnson in the bottom of the 7th inning that broke a 1–1 tie. Overall, Leyritz batted .400 with three home runs and five RBIs in that Division Series. Ironically, Leyritz's Padres would go up against his former team, the Yankees in the World Series. The Padres were swept in four games and Leyritz did not record a home run or RBI in any game.[citation needed]
In 1999, Leyritz had rejoined the Yankees and hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 8th inning of Game 4 of the World Series. The home run made the score 4–1. NBC commentator Bob Costas remarked incredulously about Leyritz after the home run, "You could send this guy to a resort in the spring and summer, as long as he comes back for October."[citation needed]
Coaching
In February 2011, Leyritz was hired as a pitching coach for the Newark Bears.[2] He left the team after one season, wanting to spend more time with his family.[3]
On April 14, 2012, it was announced that Leyritz was returning to the Yankees on a personal services contract.[4]
Controversies
Amphetamine use
On June 8, 2006, while doing an interview on the Opie and Anthony show on XM Satellite Radio, Leyritz admitted to using amphetamines after his shoulder surgery in 2001. The statement came in the wake of an admission by pitcher Jason Grimsley that he used performance enhancing drugs throughout his career.[5]
Legal trouble
On December 28, 2007, Leyritz was arrested in Broward County, Florida on suspicion of drunk driving and vehicular homicide in which Leyritz's car struck Freida Veitch's car. Veitch, who was returning home from her bartending job, was not wearing a seat belt. She ejected from the car and died at the scene. Leyritz was released on $11,000 bond and charged with two counts of drunk driving.[6]
Police collected two blood samples from Leyritz - one 2½ hours after the crash and the other about an hour later. The first sample showed a blood-alcohol level of .14, and the second, .13, police said. Florida's legal limit for motorists is .08. Prosecutors say Veitch had a blood-alcohol level of .18.
Several days after the accident, it was revealed that Leyritz may face further charges because he had his license suspended in New York prior to the accident. On June 20, 2007, Leyritz was ticketed outside Albany, New York for using a cell phone while driving. On November 23, his license was suspended after he failed to appear in court. The state of Florida is processing the suspension notice from New York and could file additional charges once his Florida license is suspended. According to an official from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: "The department has the statutory ability to suspend his license based on the fact he had knowledge of a suspension in another state and still came to Florida for a driver's license. It is unlawful." Leyritz's lawyer is quoted as saying that Leyritz's license "was not suspended in the state of Florida on the day of the accident, nor is it suspended today."[7]
On February 13, 2009, Leyritz was ordered back to jail as his bail was revoked following his apparent consumption of alcoholic beverages in violation with his bail conditions.[8] A judge allowed him to return home on bail on February 23 after agreeing with Leyritz's attorney that his pretrial release conditions were unclear and that Leyritz had misunderstood rather than intentionally violated the terms.[9]
On May 13, 2009, Leyritz was hospitalized in Florida. Reports on ESPN claimed Leyritz had threatened suicide, but Leyritz issued a statement later saying he was not suicidal but stressed out. Leyritz ran into trouble on May 14 when he attempted to start his car but the alcohol monitoring device on the car malfunctioned, leading to a false positive and triggering an automatic urine test for Leyritz. The test showed he had not consumed any alcohol and a judge cleared him.[10]
On July 2, 2009, Leyritz was arrested for battery against his former wife,[11] however the charges were later dropped[citation needed].
In November 2010, Leyritz's trial for the December 2007 DUI crash was held. He was acquitted on the DUI Manslaughter charge, but was convicted on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence, which carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail. He was subsequently sentenced to one year's probation and a $500 fine.[12] In May 2010, Leyritz had settled a civil lawsuit for the accident, paying $350,000 to the victim's family.[13]
Radio career
Leyritz hosts a radio show with Vinny Micucci called MLB Radio Daily on MLB Radio and is a regular contributor to The Michael Kay Show on the New York City ESPN Radio affiliate.
Author
Leyritz wrote a book titled Catching Heat: The Jim Leyritz Story, published in June 2011. The book was co-written by brothers Jeffrey Lyons and Douglas B. Lyons.[14] In a brief review, Publishers Weekly called the book "a surprisingly defensive attempt at a self-serving memoir."[15]
References
- ^ http://www.ukathletics.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/kty/sports/m-basebl/auto_pdf/bb09_mg_107-160
- ^ Newark Hires Leyritz". Associated Press. February 4, 2011.
- ^ Mandell, Nina (August 24, 2011). "Newark Bears honoring convicted drunk driver Jim Leyritz on night of their weekly beer pong bash". Daily News. New York.
- ^ http://riveraveblues.com/2012/04/jim-leyritz-back-with-yanks-on-personal-services-contract-66888/
- ^ "ESPN - Ex-Yankee Leyritz admits to using amphetamines - MLB". Sports.espn.go.com. 2006-06-09. Retrieved 2010-11-21.
- ^ "ESPN - Leyritz charged following accident that killed 30-year-old woman - MLB". Sports.espn.go.com. 2008-01-31. Retrieved 2010-11-21.
- ^ "Leyritz could face additional charge with suspended license". ESPN. 2008-01-02. Retrieved 2008-01-04.
- ^ "Leyritz jailed for drinking alcohol". ESPN.com. 2009-02-13. Retrieved 2010-01-25.
- ^ Leyritz To Remain Out of Jail While Awaiting Trial SI.com, February 23, 2009[dead link]
- ^ "Leyritz was 'stressed out'".
- ^ Ex-Yankee Leyritz accused of battery UPI.com, July 2, 2009 (UPI)
- ^ "Ex-Yankee Jim Leyritz gets probation, fine in Florida DUI case". USA Today. December 2, 2010.
- ^ "Jim Leyritz acquitted of DUI manslaughter in Florida". Associated Press. November 20, 2010.
- ^ http://www.hcibooks.com/p-4099-catching-heat.aspx
- ^ "Nonfiction Review: Catching Heat: The Jim Leyritz Story". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 4 August 2011.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from Baseball Reference, or Baseball Reference (Minors)
- 1963 births
- Living people
- Anaheim Angels players
- Boston Red Sox players
- Kentucky Wildcats baseball players
- Los Angeles Dodgers players
- Major League Baseball catchers
- New York Yankees players
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