Jim Leyritz

Categories: Sports | Athletes | Sports Announcers

  • 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. He is currently awaiting trial for DUI-related vehicular manslaughter in Broward County, Florida, over a 2007 incident when he is alleged to have crashed his car into another driver, killing her. Leyritz was set free on bond, on the condition that he neither drink nor take controlled drugs.MLB: Leyritz in jail for violating bond (February 13, 2009)

    Leyritz reportedly threatened to commit suicide on May 13, 2009. Dejected after blood-alcohol monitoring device prevented him from starting his car, he reportedly phoned a friend and said that he would kill himself. The friend called 911 and Leyritz was transported by police to a hospital, where he voluntarily checked himself in.ESPN: Jim Leyritz checks into hospital after suicide threat (May 14, 2009)

  • 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.

  • Leyritz's Alcohol Problems

    On December 28, 2007, Leyritz is alleged to have been drunk when he ran a red light in his sport utility vehicle and crashed into another car, killing 30-year-old Fredia Ann Veitch. Both drivers were tested and had blood alcohol levels above the legal limit. Leyritz was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, and for vehicular homicide. If convicted, Leyritz faces fifteen years in prison.

  • Parole Violations

    On February 13, 2009, Leyritz was returned to jail for violating his parole. Prosecutors say that at least four times since September 2008, Leyritz has driven under the influence of alcohol.MLB: Leyritz in jail for violating bond (February 13, 2009)

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