Jim Leyritz

Jim Leyritz is a former Major League Baseball catcher and infielder who played for six teams during his career, most of them for the New York Yankees.

Fast Facts:

1. Full name: James Joseph Leyritz
2. Nickname: "The King"
3. Born: December 27, 1963 in Lakewood, Ohio
4. Best known for 3-run HR against Atlanta Braves closer Mark Wohlers in Game 4 of the 1996 World Series
5. Recently hosted a radio show with Vinny Micucci called MLB Radio Daily on MLB Radio
6. Arrested December 28, 2007 on suspicion of DUI and vehicular homicide

Brief Biography

Born in Ohio in 1963, Leyritz joined the Yankees in 1990 as a third baseman and utility infielder. Often platooning with other players, Leyritz only had more than 300 at-bats for the Yankees once, in his rookie year, and only started catching regularly in 1995 and 1996. Leyritz never made the All-Star team, but was instead known for his clutch hitting. He became a Yankee legend for his three-run home run in Game 4 of the 1996 World Series against the Atlanta Braves. The home run capped off a six-run rally to tie the game at six, and proved to be the turning point of the series, as the Yankees won that game, as well as Games 5 and 6 to become World Champions for the first time since 1978. Leyritz left the team after the World Series, and over the next four seasons played for six different teams, including a return stint on the Yankees in 1999 and 2000. After retiring, Leyritz hosted a radio call-in show in New York City. In 2007, he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, and for vehicular homicide in conjunction with the death of Fredia Ann Veitch. If convicted, Leyritz faces fifteen years in prison.

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